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Friday, January 9, 2009

Pakistani Citizenship, Visa, and Visa Extention for British Woman


I will discuss on how a British Woman, marrying a Pakistani Man in Pakistan can have her Pakistani visa extended and ultimately gain Pakistani citizenship.



Getting a Pakistani Visa


In Pakistan, all foreign nationals are required to have a visa. However there are certain countries with this Pakistan has Visa Abolition Agreement. The Pakistani High Commission (Diplomatic Mission) in London issues the visa and the Immigration Officer holds the final decision of allowing foreign nationals into Pakistani territory.


The initial Visit Visa will be given for a period of 3 months maximum, 1 month minimum.



I will also send a letter of invitation to my girlfriend, having my National ID Card photocopy, bank statement, write-up of how I plan to provide her accommodation take care of her while she is here.



She will also use CIBT UK, a travel document and expediting service, which will help her get the Pakistani Visa by post since she lives 400 miles away from the PHC London.



The Visit Visa is granted usually in 2 working days and being called for an interview is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.



She will also need medical documents to prove the medication she will be carrying to the Customs officials at the Pakistani airport. She will also find out from PHC if any special medical form is required to be filled (rules may change).



The documents she will submit will include all those listed under the “General Requirements” heading below. Along with these she will also include the Letter of Invitation sent by me, proof of residency (Photocopy of Birth Certificate or NI Card), letter from Travel Agency or air tickets proving the date of travel.



The fees she will pay is listed under the “Visit/Tourist Visa” heading below.

From PHC London website:




General Requirements (for all visas)
Note: NO appointment is required for Visa application
Applicants will be entertained on first come first served basis during application
processing time.

For all types of visas, please submit the following:

Duly filled Visa Form

Original passport (valid for at least six months) along with its photocopy

Two recent passport size photographs (with white background)

Any other document(s) that can be helpful in obtaining a visa

For additional requirements please see the details of required Visa category. Please note that Visa is valid for the period mentioned in the visa sticker, which is calculated from the date of issue. The period of stay is counted from the date of entry into Pakistan.

Visit/Tourist Visa
If the Visa Officer is satisfied about the purpose of a visit an appropriate visa is issued to a
visitor or a tourist holding a British Passport.

Fee Single entry: £53 + 2 (Bank Charges)
Double entry: £76 + 2 (Bank Charges)
Multiple entries: £240 + 2 (Bank Charges)

Family Visa
A single, Double or Multiple entry visa is issued to British passport holders for a family visit to
Pakistan.


Concession in fee for dual Pakistani Nationals For dual nationals holding British passport with a valid / expired Pakistani passport, a fee concession is available on the Single Entry Visa only. Concessional fees (for these dual nationals) are as following:

FeeAge 18 years and above: £27 + 2 (Bank Charges)
Age below 18 years: £13 + 2 (Bank Charges)


Important Note
Visa is liable to be cancelled if information requested in the form is withheld or found to be
incorrect.
British nationals not resident in UK should apply for Visa in their respective countries of residence.
Other national should apply for visa from their countries of origin.
Visitors to UK are not entertained for grant of Visas.
Visa is usually given on the same day. Delays, however, can occur due to circumstances beyond the High Commission’s control, especially where a reference has to be made to Pakistan.

Fee
Visa fee is subject to periodical revision without notice.
Visa fee is charged per person and not per passport. If children are endorsed in the passport
additional fee will be charged.
Fee is only payable in cash or postal order made out in the name of the High Commission for Pakistan. Personal cheques are not accepted.
Visa fee is not refundable even if visa is refused.

Note: £ 2.00 mentioned with all fees above is bank surcharge per application for consular services being charged at all Pakistan Consulates including London

Contact Visa Department
Email:
visa@phclondon.org
Visa Helpline: 020 7664 9275
Above number can be called between the following hours (Monday to Friday): 10:00am to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 5:30pm



From CIBT UK website:



Visa Type:Tourist Single
Nationality:British Subject
Visa Required:Yes



1. Applicants holding expired Pakistani passports will be given reduced
fees, email info@uk.cibt.com for further information.


2. Applicants residing in Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester or Glasgow cannot
apply in London, but must apply to their nearest embassy representation.


Requirements:
Passport (valid at least
6 Months beyond stay)
UK Residency (Required)
1 application form(s)
2 passport photo(s)
Copy/Original hotel confirmation
Copy/Original itinerary



Other Requirements:


VISA REQUIREMENTS


1. Copy of the information page(s) of the passport.


2. EU passport holders are required to submit a recent untility bill/bank statement showing their current UK address.


3. Letter from travel agency confirming the client has booked through & is
travelling with them.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION


1. Visa fees are variable depending on nationlity, the above quote is for a UK passport holder.


2. The High Commission reserves the right to refer an application and request further documentation upon application or a personal interview.

Processing Time: 2 Working Days
Visa valid for [At the discretion of the consulate]
Maximum duration of stay is [At the discretion of the consulate]


Fee Details:
Consular Visa Fee:£55.00
Handling Fee:£37.00
Royal Mail Special Delivery (Monday -
Friday next day by 1pm):£6.17
Total:£98.17
Rates given are for one person, exclusive of VAT, and are estimates only. Additional fees may
apply.



Extending Visa once in Pakistan

Once in Pakistan, the Directorate General Immigration and Passports http://www.dgip.gov.pk/ is responsible for extending the visa.



In case of marriage between Pakistani man and British woman, the woman can get her visa extended for up to 1 year. If she manages to stay in Pakistan for a period of 5 years (during which she will get her visa extended after every year), she will ultimately get Pakistani Citizenship.

From Directorate General Immigration and Passports website:



Foreign ladies married to Pakistani nationals(Documents required other than mentioned in the form)



Prescribed application form F ( in quadruplicate)



An affidavit on Rs.20/- non judicial stamp paper from the applicant regarding detail facts of the case.



A similar affidavit from the husband on Rs.20/- non judicial stamp paper.



An affidavit duly supported by documentary evidence about her stay in Pakistan for a period of 05 years.



Photostat copies of relevant pages of applicant s foreign passport.



Photostat copy of residential permit.



Photocopy of marriage certificate.



Photostat copy of domicile certificate of the applicant ( in case of applicant other than Commonwealth Citizen)



List of close-relations residing in India on the prescribed form.



Photostat copies of Pakistan Citizenship Certificate/Domicile Certificate of the applicant s husband (in case the husband has been issued such certificate).


Six color photographs with light blue background size 2X1 1/2. One attested on front and one on back by Notary public/Oath Commissioner.



Photostat copies of the relevant pages of the Pakistani passport or National identity card of the husband.


NOTE: All of the mentioned documents may be attested by Notary public/Oath Commissioner except the photographs which have to be attested in a manner specified at sub para
No.x.above.



Bank challan of prescribed amounts Rs.200/-


Oath of allegiance taken before 1st Class Magistrate (in case of citizen other than
Commonwealth)



Attested copy of domicile of the lady (in case of citizens other than commonwealth).


Two certificates form two different Government Officers not less than B-17 confirming the date national status of the applicants husband. Such certificates must also indicate the date and place of birth of the applicant s husband and his income.



Applications form can either be submitted to Directorate General Immigration & Passports Islamabad or its RPO at Lahore & Karachi or in the offices of Deputy Commissioners of other
Districts in Pakistan.


Dual Nationality


Government of Pakistan has dual nationality arrangements with the following 16 countries.


U.K
Egypt
France
Jordan
Italy
Syria
Belgium
Switzerland
Iceland
Netherland
Australia
USA (United States of
America)
New Zealand
Sweden
Canada
Ireland

The nationals of these countries are not required to renounce their nationality while acquiring Pakistan Citizenship.



Renunciation of Pakistan Citizenship

Any citizen pf Pakistan residing outside Pakistan, who is not a minor and is also a citizen or national of another country or has been given by the competent authority of another country any valid document assuring him/her of the grant of citizenship or nationality of that other country, shall make a declaration of renunciation of citizenship of Pakistan in Form X (in duplicate) to the Directorate General Immigration & Passports Islamabad through Pakistan Mission abroad.



The person concerned will cease to be citizen of Pakistan from the date of such registration of renunciation of Pak citizenship.



Where a male person ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan under Section 14A(I) of Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951.



Every such minor child of that person as is residing outside Pakistan shall thereupon cease to be a citizen of Pakistan provided any such child may, within one year of his completing the age of 21 years, make a declaration that he wishes to resume the citizenship of Pakistan and shall upon making of such declaration become a citizen of Pakistan.



Every such minor of that person as is residing in Pakistan shall continue to be a citizen of Pakistan.



The fee for renunciation applications is RS-500/- only.



Registration of Birth of a Child of Citizen of Pakistan Born in Country Outside Pakistan


The birth of such children may be reported by the parents or guardians on Form S to the Pakistan Mission abroad within a period of six months.Annual Registration by a Citizen of Pakistan Resident Abroad Citizen of Pakistan are required to get themselves registered with Pakistan Mission abroad annually on form I Citizenship Forms.


Definition of minor in Pakistani Law is an individual under 21 years of age. Only in special circumstances are foreign minors allowed to gain citizenship.


The law also takes into consideration the 1948 British Nationality Act. Some individuals are considered as “British protected persons” because of the act.


The law for citizenship in Pakistan is 1951 Pakistan Citizenship Act.


All foreign nationals coming into Pakistan are required visas with the following exceptions:



• Foreign nationals holding Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs) of any citizenship for unlimited or long-term residence;


• Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago or Tonga for unlimited or long-term residence;


• Citizens ofMaldives, Zambia, and Iceland for a maximum of three (3) months;


• foreign nationals of Nepal and Samoa for a maximum of thirty (30) days;


• Chinese nationals with passports issued in Hong Kong for a maximum of thirty (30) days;


• holders of UN Laissez-passer; and


• individuals who are in transit within twenty-four (24) hours by the first or same connecting aircraft provided that they have onward or return documentation, and these passengers are also not allowed to leave the airport premises.

Two types of visas are available for Pakistan entry


• Tourist Visa


• Business Visa


These can be further categorized according to the number of entries, such as:


• Single transit.


• Multiple entry.



Foreign Man wanting to marry Pakistani Woman

Pakistan Citizenship Act currently allows a foreigner girl marrying a Pakistani man to get Pakistani citizenship but not vice versa.

Recently, this question of gender equality got a boost from Federal Shariat Court in Pakistan as they declared the Pakistani Citizenship Act, 1951, to be discriminatory against women. On December 19, 2007, the Federal Shariat Court has asked the president of Pakistan to amend the Pakistan Citizenship Act within six months so that a woman’s foreign husband could get Pakistani citizenship, just like a foreign women married to Pakistani men.

Other Information

Visitors who have stayed more than thirty (30) days in Pakistan are required to report and register to the nearest Foreigners Registration Office. Special precautions are provided for travel to the Northern Areas, Province of North West Frontier and Baluchistan. Israel foreign nationals are not allowed by the Government of Pakistan to enter, even for transit. Afghanistan foreign nationals are not allowed to enter the country if their passports or tickets provide evidence of boarding or transit in India.


Pakistan Missions abroad have the authority to grant tourist visas for three (3) months validity and stay with double entry to foreign nationals of List-A comprised of 175 countries. RPOs have the authority to extend tourist visas up to a maximum of six (6) months, which includes the initial visa period and condone overstay up to fifteen (15) days upon payment of visa fee. For Northern Areas, the Deputy Commissioners have the authority to extend visa for three (3) months and one (1) re-entry to the tourists in Northern Areas, with visa fees charged for every policy.


Applications should be forwarded to the Consulate or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission. Documents required include:

• Original passport and photocopy valid for six (6) months beyond the planned duration of stay
• One (1) application form
• Two (2) passport-size photos
• Confirmed return or onward ticket
• Proof of adequate funds for the duration of stay
• Fee payable in cash or postal order only
• Letter of invitation from Pakistan-based companies (for business trips).

The time it takes for visa issuance will depend on the nationality of the applicant. Pilgrim visas usually take two (2) months to process. The prices of visas vary depending on the nationality of the applicant as well as the type of entry (single, double, or multiple entry). On average, prices can range anywhere between £45 to £90. Prices tend to be cheaper for Pakistanis holding dual nationality. Applicants with parents who are Pakistani passport holders have the same concession, and are required to submit their parents’ original birth certificate and Pakistani passports. Some foreign nationals are issued visas for free, but acquisition should be done before traveling.All individuals entering Pakistan on specific assignments (official or business) should include all supporting letters and documents from sponsors or employees of all parties involved. The parties should indicate the nature of assignment, length of stay and names of companies or organizations involved, as well as the programs available, if there are any. Incomplete and unsigned documents will not be processed. The grant of a Pakistan visa cannot be considered as a right, and the issuing authority can refuse the application without having to provide any reason.Visitors arriving within six (6) days from any country with endemic yellow fever are required yellow fever vaccination certificates. Babies below six (6) months old are exempt if the mother has a vaccination certificate proving that she has been vaccinated before delivering the baby. All countries and areas within the endemic zone are considered as infected. Cholera vaccination certificates are no longer required per the WHO guidelines issued in 1973. However, special precautions are still advised.Typhoid precautions are also advised. Individuals who plan to stay for more than one (1) year in Pakistan are also required to show certification of being HIV-negative.


REGISTRATION OF FOREIGNERS WITH POLICE

See Interior Division, Government of Pakistan Website.
All foreigners are exempted from registration with the Police except the nationals of following countries; as well as such other foreign nationals who are directed by the immigration authorities to report to FRO for registration and a stamp is affixed to this effect, on their passports.

LIST B Countries:

1. Algeria
2. Bangladesh
3. Bhutan
4. India
5. Iraq
6. Israel
7. Libya
8. Nigeria
9. P.L.O
10. Serbia
11. Somalia
12. Sri Lanka
13. Sudan
14. Tanzania
15. Uganda
16. Yeman

Registeration with LOCATE

For more information see the website of Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This is not obligatory, but recommended for tourists.

8 comments:

  1. http://www.nadra.gov.pk/site/452/default.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  2. http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/divisions/interior-division/media/Visa_Extension_Form.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  3. http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/divisions/ContentInfo.jsp?DivID=23&cPath=221_225_599&ContentID=2506

    ReplyDelete
  4. FAMILY VISIT VISA FOR PAK ORIGIN FOREIGNERS


    Last updated: 2005-02-25



    Foreigners of Pak Origin are granted visa with multiple entries upto one year or validity of their passport, whichever is less by Missions abroad.

    RPOs may grant Extension in visa to foreigners of Pak Origin for one year with multiple entries and upto 5 years without entries, subject to validity of their passport. A period of overstay upto six months can be condoned by RPOs in such cases.

    Foreign wives of Foreigner of Pak Origin are also issued the same visa extension as to Pak Origin foreigners, subject to production of copy of Nikkah Nama / Marriage Certificate and NIC of husband.

    Landing Permit for 72 hours can be granted by Airport Immigration staff, with prior approval of the Zonal Director (FIA) concerned, to the foreigners of Pak Origin and their families only in emergency cases on production of documentary proof of Pak Origin.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My wife living in the UK and has british citizenship has also got a pakistan identity card (overseas pakistanis. She can travel with this without acquiring a visa. Can my 6 month old daughter travel or does she need a separate visa?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have a Chinese wife who lives in China and i want to bring her to visit my family in Pakistan often. how can that be possible? She also have a baby from her previous marriage and she would want to accompany him with her.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Completing the adjustment of status is a step closer to obtaining your Green Card. If you want to complete the Adjustment of Status process quickly and without worries, use the TN Visa Expert Visa Preparation System.

    ReplyDelete

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