Immigration law governs the entry of foreigners into a country and their subsequent deportation. This is distinct from other legal matters such as naturalisation and citizenship, although they are sometimes related. Citizenship status may be conferred at birth or obtained through naturalisation in some states. Our emigration services are available to those wanting to travel or migrate to numerous destinations such as USA, UK, Canada, European Countries, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. We offer a comprehensive range of services for many different types of visas. Our global emigration services are designed to help our clients with every step of their journey. Our qualified migration consultants will provide you with all the advice you need to make your transition as smooth as possible. We have helped many satisfied customers with their emigration applications over the years and are proud to have been a part of making their emigration goals come true. Our team is highly trained and dedicated to providing excellent customer service. In addition to providing emigration services for other countries, we also have clients all over the world who wish to come to Pakistan on Tourist, Business, or Work Visas. We can also arrange for an extension of their stay in Pakistan and help them solve any other related problems they may have. At Burhan & Associates, our attorneys and staff are dedicated to providing quality legal services to our clients. We are committed to representing employees, employers, companies, corporations, and individuals who need us. We also handle appeals for every facet of immigration law to the relevant appeal department in each country and handle every kind of immigration problem through immigration law firms in the respective country. It is our mission to serve our clients, our community, and our country.
The Pakistani government has loosened its business visa policies to make it easier for foreign businessmen and investors to travel to and stay in the country. Missions abroad are now authorized to grant five-year, multiple-entry visas within 24 hours to businessmen from 66 countries on the Business Visa List (BVL), with each stay limited to three months. The following documents are required: An official invitation from a Pakistani company or chambers of commerce, or A letter of support from the applicant's company, or An invitation from a relevant trade fair or exhibition in Pakistan. A letter of recommendation from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CC&I) of the applicant's country of residence is required. Additionally, a recommendatory letter from Honorary Investment Counsellors of BOI and a letter of recommendation from the Pakistani Commercial Attaché posted in Pakistan High Commissions / Embassies / Consulates General located abroad are also required.
Businessmen from 123 countries (except countries not recognized by the Government of Pakistan) can apply for a multiple entry visa that is valid for one month. To apply, applicants can go to the Pakistani Ambassador / High Commissioner / Head of Mission in their country or place of legal residence and provide the required documents.
Businessmen of the 66 countries listed above will be given a Visa on Arrival valid for 30 days stay, upon production of any of the documents required for an entry business visa at the Missions.
Work visas can be granted to foreign professionals in order to transfer skills and knowledge. Companies that require the employment of foreign nationals or an extension of their visa should submit a request on the prescribed application form to the Board of Investment (IF Wing) in Islamabad, enclosing the following documents: In order to apply for a work visa, you will need the following documents: A passport photocopy (of the information, entry, and visa pages) Six photographs A company covering letter that states the period of the visa required A company profile An employment agreement The company's incorporation or registration certificate If you have any questions about what documents you need or how to apply for a work visa, please contact us and we would be happy to help. The Secretary of BOI chairs a committee that discusses and decides on the cases of granting or extending work visas to foreign personnel.
The conversion of a business visa to a work visa (and vice versa) is now possible by paying a conversion fee of $100, in addition to the regular visa fee. For those who wish to stay in the country for multiple entries for up to three years, a resident visa will be issued on presenting an amount of US$ 200,000.
The Government has decided to exempt all foreigners who have been issued work visas from registration with the police, except for nationals of countries on the negative list. However, even in the case of countries on the negative list (except for Indians and foreigners of Indian origin), foreign nationals in the managerial category who are issued work permits/visas will also be exempted from police registration.
Indian passport holders working for World Bank/ADB/IMF/UN agencies and multinational companies will be facilitated with a visa by the respective Pakistan's Ambassador after clearing with link offices.
Embassies are empowered to grant short-term visas for one month to the expatriates working with non-government organizations in Pakistan. For long-term visas, the NGO is required to be registered with the government of Pakistan. In such cases, the mission abroad refers the applications for prior clearance from the ministry of interior before granting visas. In case of extension of visa, the registered NGOs may apply to the ministry of interior which in turn authorizes the concerned RPOs for grant of extension of visa if all formalities are met. At Burhan & Associates, we provide legal services to NGOs not only for getting their visas endorsed on their passports, but also for registration with respective government departments.
The Pakistan Missions abroad are authorized to grant visit/tourist visas to foreigners of 175 countries for a maximum validity of three months and stay with double entry. RPOs have been authorized to extend tourist visas for up to a maximum period of six months, including the initial visa period, and condone overstays of up to 15 days on payment of the visa fee. For Northern Areas, the Deputy Commissioners Gilgit & Skardu have been authorized to allow extensions of visa for three months and one re-entry to tourists in Northern Areas, charging visa fees as per policy.
Visa on arrival will be allowed for one month validity and stay (multiple) to group tourists of 24 Tourists Friendly Countries (TFC) through designated tour operators in Pakistan, subject to the following conditions: Only authorized and designated tour operators will be able to submit the required paperwork for this case; The concerned tour operator will also submit an undertaking to the effect that the tourists will be their responsibility and that they will not illegally overstay beyond the validity of their visa; -If required, the same tour operators will apply for further extension up to 30 days, before the expiry of their current visa. After tourists have left the country, concerned tour operators will submit a confirmation of their exit.
The Pakistani government requires that all foreign citizens wishing to work as housemaids or domestic servants obtain a work visa before entering the country. Applications for work visas must be submitted by the prospective employer, along with the following supporting documents: In order to apply for a visa, you will need to complete the visa application form with two photographs of yourself. In addition, you will need to provide a computer clearance certificate, a NOC and acknowledgement from the foreign mission in Pakistan related to your proposed employment, and an employment contract on stamp paper that is signed by you, your employer, and two witnesses. Finally, you will need to submit photocopies of your passport pages and your employer's passport (if your employer is a foreigner). The Ministry of Interior grants one-year extensions for Housemaid Work/Domestic servant visa cases, renewable for up to two additional years, provided the applicant's passport remains valid.
Applications for a grant of an initial visa/extension for missionary work by Christian missionaries in Pakistan is processed by the Ministry of Interior. Entry visas are not granted to foreign missionaries who desire to open new missions or strengthen existing ones engaged in proselytizing activities. Foreign missionaries can apply for an entry visa through Pakistan missions abroad. The cases will be referred to the Ministry of Interior with the following documents of the applicants: Visa application form must be completed supported by two recent photographs Computer Proforma Letter from a Missionary Organization certifying that the applicant is a bonafide member of the said Organization, and that the Organization takes full responsibility for his / her maintenance, boarding / lodging and return journey in case repatriation from Pakistan is required Declaration to respect and abide by the laws of Pakistan and to refrain from indulging in internal politics, and to comply with all the regulations of Pakistan Biodata for last 10 years Photocopies of his or her educational degrees and diplomas/certificates, with English translations if required A letter from the organization in Pakistan inviting the said missionary worker Please provide the following information for the person being replaced:
The Ministry of Interior in Pakistan offers free visas to diplomats and non-diplomats working for foreign missions, as well as to the families of UN staff members working in the country. This policy is based on the principle of reciprocity. All foreign missions are required to submit their applications for visa extension to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs well in advance of the expiration of their current visas. The visa extension authorization will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for onward transmission to the foreign mission concerned.
The MOI and Ministry of Education receive requests from students. After obtaining NOCs from the Ministry of Education /Economics Affairs Division/Ministry of Health (as applicable) and the foreign mission in Pakistan of the respective country, and after the student has been security cleared, the student visa is granted. The security-cleared student is granted an NOC for a three-month, single- entry visa to the mission abroad. Foreign students who come to study in Pakistan on a student visa are granted a visa extension for one year, with one re-entry. The same thing goes for foreign teachers at the International Islamic University in Islamabad.
The Pakistani government understands how important it is for journalists to be able to do their jobs without restriction, and has therefore decided that journalists based in Pakistan and accredited by the Pakistani government will be able to obtain visas for travel related to their work without having to go through the Ministry of Interior or Information and Broadcasting. This policy applies to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. If journalists wish to travel to other cities, they will need to apply through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as per usual.
Missions abroad can grant a journalist a three-month multiple entry visa for Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi after verifying their credentials. Non-resident journalists who are visiting for a short period of time are allowed one month visa extensions with two re-entries by RPOs on the recommendation of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Requests to visit additional places that are received through the Ministry of Information and Media Development are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Foreigners of Pakistani origin are granted visas with multiple entries for up to one year by Pakistani missions abroad. However, the extension of these visas is at the discretion of the Registrar of Pakistanis Overseas (RPO). RPOs may extend the visa for one year with multiple entries or up to five years without entries, depending on the validity of the passport. In cases where there has been an overstay of up to six months, RPOs may choose to condone this. Foreign wives of foreigners of Pakistani origin are also issued the same visa extension as their husbands, subject to production of a copy of their Nikkah Nama (marriage certificate) and their husband's NIC (national identity card). The airport immigration staff can grant a 72-hour landing permit to foreigners of Pakistani origin and their families in emergency cases only, with prior approval from the concerned Zonal Director (FIA). The foreigners must provide documentary proof of their Pakistani origin to receive the permit.
Foreign passport holders who are Sikhs are granted an entry visa by the Missions for a two-week stay in the following places: Lahore, Sheikhupura (Nankana Sahib), Rawalpindi / Hasan Abdal (Punja Sahib).
Overstaying can come with a surcharge, depending on how long you overstay. Up to one month: no surcharge Above one month to six months: $10 Above six months to one year: $20 Beyond one year: $40 per year
Foreign nationals from the following countries are exempted from registration with the Police: Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Nigeria, P.L.O, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Serbia, Tanzania, Uganda and Yemen. Also, other foreign nationals who are directed by the immigration authorities to report to FRO for registration will have a stamp affixed to their passports. Nationals in the managerial category who are issued work permit/visa from these countries will be exempted from Police registration with the exception of Indians and foreigners of Indian origin.
n order to visit Pakistan, all Indian citizens must obtain a valid visa. The requirements for obtaining a visa are as follows: Passport must be valid for at least one year before traveling A visa application form that is filled out completely Payment of the prescribed visa fee (this can be done in cash at the visa counter or through a bank challan) For business visas, a letter from the sponsoring company or organization in Pakistan is required, stating the purpose of the visit. The Embassies/High Commissions for Pakistan deal with visa matters on all working days of the week (Monday to Friday). However, in Gulf countries, the Pakistani Missions only remain open from Saturday to Wednesday. Additionally, none of the Missions are open on any of the Gazetted holidays of the government of Pakistan. The following types of visas are granted to residents and non-residents of India by the Government of Pakistan:
Visitors’ visas are issued to Indian nationals for the purpose of meeting relatives or friends, or for any other legitimate purpose. This type of visa is also issued to bonafide Indian businessmen for six months with three entries.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issues tourist visas that are valid for 14 days and cannot be extended. The visas are only available through approved tour operators and travel agents.
Please fill out the visa application form in all capital letters. Do not leave any columns blank. Please fill out the computer form in all capital letters (four copies). The prescribed visa fee should be deposited in cash and a receipt obtained. The passport will be returned upon presentation of the receipt. The fee is non-refundable. Two copies of the form will be returned to the applicant with the visa. One each should be handed over to the Pakistan Immigration Officer upon arrival and Police Registration Office. The applicant should be in possession of US $45 or the equivalent in foreign currency upon entry. Visitors to Pakistan may enter by air, train, or road, but they must use the same mode of transportation for their return journey. Those who enter by air may exit through a different airport with prior permission. All visitors must report for police registration within 24 hours of entry into Pakistan, and before departure or arrival at each subsequent place of visit in Pakistan.Applicants must provide a copy of their sponsor's National Identity Card (NIC) and a copy of their own passport. passports must be valid for at least one year.
Citizenship to elderly parents of Pakistani nationals residing in India can be a difficult and lengthy process. However, it is possible to get citizenship for your parents if you follow the proper steps and procedures. The first step is to fill out the necessary paperwork and applications. Once you have submitted the application, you will need to wait for a decision from the Indian government. If your application is approved, your parents will be granted citizenship and they will be able to live in India without any legal problems.
The applicant's sons/daughters are to submit an application on a prescribed form, duly attested by an oath commissioner/notary public, in quadruplicate, to the Directorate General Immigration & Passports Islamabad. The government fee for the grant of an emergency certificate in the applicant's name is to be deposited in the nearest passport office branch of the National Bank of Pakistan. The applicant must provide their own affidavit on stamp paper regarding the facts of the case. Six colour photographs with a light blue background of India Dependents are required, one of which must be duly attested on the back side by an oath commissioner/notary public. In order to confirm his/her national status as a citizen of Pakistan, documentary evidence is required. This may include a Pakistan passport, affidavit and National Identity Card. Two certificates from two different officers of Grade 17 or above from the central or provincial government may also be accepted as confirmation. The following are the documents required for an emergency certificate for a close relative residing in India:
The application form "R" must be submitted to the Directorate General Immigration & Passports of the Government of Pakistan in Islamabad, along with four attested copies from the mission, five photographs with a blue background, the original bank transfer certificate for an amount of Rs 5 million to Pakistan, a photocopy of your current passport, and the prescribed government fee.
After you have received a certificate from the governmental officer in BPS-17 or above confirming your relationship with your Indian Dependent, you may apply for an Immigrant visa for Pakistan. If your application is approved, you will be granted a Pakistan Citizenship certificate after your arrival in Pakistan. The Naturalization Act of 1926 Grants Pakistani citizenship to nationals of countries other than Commonwealth nations after they have resided in Pakistan for a period of five years. In order to qualify for citizenship, applicants must have continuous residency in Pakistan for twelve months preceding their application date, as well as aggregate residency in the country for four years during the seven years preceding those twelve months. Documentation Requirement for Non-Commonwealth Citizens
Applicant's affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper Husband's affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper Photocopy of relevant pages of applicant's foreign passport Copy of residential permit Marriage certificate Domicile certificate of applicant (if applicable)
To apply for a Pakistani passport, you will need to submit the following documents: A photocopy of your Pakistani citizenship certificate or domicile certificate (if your husband has been issued such a certificate) Six colour photographs with a light blue background, size 2X1 1/2. One of the photographs should be attested on the front and one on the back by a notary public or oath commissioner. A photocopy of the relevant pages of your husband's Pakistani passport and national identity card. A bank challan of the government-specified fee. All of the aforementioned documents may be attested by a notary public or oath commissioner, with the exception of the photographs which should be attested in the manner specified. In order to apply for a Pakistani passport, you will need to submit the following documents: A copy of your domicile certificate Two certificates from different government officers confirming your husband's national status and date of birth, as well as his income You can submit your application form either to the Directorate General Immigration & Passports in Islamabad, or to its RPO in Lahore or Karachi, or to the office of the Deputy Commissioner in any other district in Pakistan.
Documentation Requirement for Minor Children
Pakistani parents or guardians can apply for their child's passport by filling out form M in quadruplicate. They will also need to submit four photographs, an affidavit from the parents or guardians verifying the facts of the case, documentary evidence of the parents' or guardians' national status as citizens of Pakistan, and the government fee.
The application form can be submitted either directly to the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports in Islamabad, or to its RPOs (regional passport offices) in Lahore and Karachi, or to the offices of Deputy Commissioners in other districts of Pakistan. Children of Pakistani mothers and foreign national fathers born after 18.04.2000 are automatically considered citizens of Pakistan. Pakistani citizenship can also be granted to foreign nationals (investors) who meet the following conditions:
Invest a minimum of US$ 0.75 million in tangible assets
Invest a minimum of $ 0.25 million (or equivalent in major foreign currency) in cash on a non- repatriable basis
Meet the other conditions outlined in the Pakistan Citizenship Law
Investment on a non-repatriable basis means that the amount is brought into Pakistan through normal banking channels, converted into rupees, and never remitted back out of the country.
Dual Nationality for Pakistanis
The government of Pakistan has dual nationality arrangements with the following 16 countries: USA, Italy, England, Ireland, Syria, Iceland, Switzerland, France, Sweden, Egypt, New Zealand, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Jordan, Australia. The citizens of these countries are not required to give up their nationality when they acquire Pakistan Citizenship.
Renunciation of Pakistani Citizenship
Any Pakistani citizen living abroad who is not a minor, and is also a citizen or national of another country or has been given any valid document by the competent authority of another country promising to grant him/her citizenship or nationality of that other country, shall make a declaration renouncing his/her Pakistani citizenship in Form X (in duplicate) to the Directorate General Immigration & Passports Islamabad through any Pakistani Mission abroad.
The person will no longer be a citizen of Pakistan from the date of renouncing their Pak citizenship. If a male person renounces their Pakistan citizenship, any minor children living outside of Pakistan will also lose their citizenship. However, those children can declare that they wish to resume their Pakistani citizenship within one year of turning 21.
Every person under the age of 18 who resides in Pakistan shall be considered a citizen of Pakistan. The fee for renunciation of citizenship is only Rs. 500. Parents or guardians of children born to Pakistani citizens outside of Pakistan are required to report the birth on Form S to the nearest Pakistani mission within six months. Pakistani citizens residing abroad are required to register themselves with the nearest Pakistani mission on an annual basis using Form I.
Legalisation & Attestation of Documents
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