For parents residing in the UK who have children born in the country, obtaining a Pakistani passport can be a crucial part of maintaining their Pakistani heritage. The process can seem daunting, with several legalities and requirements involved. However, it can be a straightforward procedure with the correct information and guidance. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help parents navigate the process of acquiring a Pakistani passport for children born in the UK.
1. Why Obtain a Pakistani Passport for Your Child?
If your child is born in the UK and is eligible for Pakistani nationality by descent, obtaining a Pakistani passport is essential for several reasons:
- Dual Nationality: Pakistan allows dual nationality with several countries, including the UK. By securing a Pakistani passport for your child, you maintain their connection to their heritage and will enable them to live, work, and travel freely between both countries.
- Ease of Travel: Holding a Pakistani passport simplifies travel to Pakistan without needing a visa, which can be time-consuming to apply for.
- Legal Protections: Having a Pakistani passport offers your child complete protection from Pakistani law when in Pakistan.
Additionally, obtaining a Pakistani passport ensures your child’s right to access Pakistan’s services, such as education, healthcare, and property ownership.
2. Eligibility for a Pakistani Passport for UK-born Children
Children born in the UK to Pakistani parents (or one parent with Pakistani nationality) are eligible for Pakistani citizenship by descent. The Citizenship Act of Pakistan outlines that children of Pakistani nationals, regardless of where they are born, are entitled to Pakistani citizenship.
To apply for a Pakistani passport for your child, you must ensure that at least one parent holds Pakistani nationality, either by birth or by descent. The parents must provide proof of their Pakistani nationality, such as a valid passport, National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), or a Pakistani National ID card.
3. Required Documents for the Pakistani Passport Application
When applying for a Pakistani passport for a child born in the UK, the following documents are typically required:
- Birth Certificate: An official birth certificate of the child issued by the UK government, showing both parents’ names.
- Parent’s Pakistani Documents: Proof of the parent’s nationality, such as a valid Pakistani passport, NICOP, or National ID card.
- Child’s Proof of UK Citizenship (Optional): If the child also holds UK citizenship, providing a copy of their UK passport can be helpful.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the child, typically in the specified format required by the Pakistani authorities.
- Parents’ Proof of Identity: Both parents must provide proof of identity, including their UK or Pakistani passports.
Additionally, the child’s Nadra Pakistan UK registration is mandatory. This is where Nadra Solutions can assist in streamlining the documentation process.
4. The Role of Nadra Pakistan UK in the Passport Application Process
Nadra (National Database and Registration Authority) is responsible for issuing essential identification documents, including NICOP and Family Registration Certificates (FRCs), for Pakistanis abroad. For parents residing in the UK, registering their child with Nadra Pakistan UK is an essential step before applying for a Pakistani passport.
Nadra Solutions offers services that simplify the process of obtaining required documents, such as:
- NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis): This card serves as proof of Pakistani citizenship and is required for the passport application process.
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC): This document certifies the family unit and is used to verify the child’s connection to their parents.
Parents must first apply for a NICOP for their child via Nadra Pakistan UK, either online or by visiting a Nadra Solutions office. Once the NICOP is issued, the child’s Pakistani citizenship is formally recognized, and the passport application process can proceed.
5. How to Apply for a Pakistani Passport for Your Child
Once you have gathered the required documents, including the child’s NICOP, the next step is to apply for a Pakistani passport. The application can be submitted through the Pakistan High Commission in the UK or the Pakistani Consulate nearest you.
There are two ways to apply:
- In Person: Parents can visit the Pakistan High Commission or Consulate in the UK. Booking an appointment in advance is essential, as walk-ins are generally not accepted. Parents will submit all required documents at the appointment and may need to complete an interview or provide additional information.
- Online (ePassport): Pakistan has introduced an ePassport service, allowing parents to apply for their child’s passport from home. This online process can significantly reduce the processing time, and all documents can be uploaded electronically. Once the application is processed, the passport will be delivered by mail.
Regardless of the method chosen, please check the most up-to-date requirements on the Pakistan High Commission website before starting the application.
6. Passport Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for a Pakistani passport for children born in the UK can vary depending on the submission method (in-person or online) and the workload at the Pakistan High Commission or Consulate. On average, passport processing takes around 4 to 6 weeks. However, expedited services may be available for an additional fee, reducing the processing time to 2-3 weeks.
Fees for the passport application also vary depending on whether you are applying for a regular passport (5-year validity) or a biometric ePassport (10-year validity). It’s essential to factor in the cost of other documents like the NICOP and FRC.
7. Renewing or Replacing a Child’s Pakistani Passport
Pakistani passports for children are typically issued with a validity of 5 years. Before the passport expires, parents must apply for a renewal. The renewal process is straightforward and requires submitting updated photographs, proof of identity, and other required documents. Renewal applications can be submitted online or in person through the Pakistan High Commission’s ePassport service.
If the passport is lost or damaged, parents must report it immediately to the Pakistani Consulate or High Commission in the UK and apply for a replacement. Additional fees may be charged for a replacement passport, and the processing time may take longer due to the verification of lost documents.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Pakistani passport for a child born in the UK involves several steps. Still, it is essential for ensuring the child’s connection to their Pakistani heritage and allowing them to benefit from dual nationality. Parents must register their child with Nadra Pakistan UK and secure important documents, such as the NICOP UK and Family Registration Certificate, before applying for the passport. Parents can ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process by understanding the process and gathering the required documents.
Organizations like Nadra Solutions offer invaluable support, helping Pakistani parents in the UK navigate the documentation process more quickly. Whether applying in person or online through the Pakistan High Commission, parents can provide their children with the rights and benefits of Pakistani citizenship.
As dual citizens, your child can enjoy the best of both worlds, with access to Pakistan and the UK, ensuring a lasting connection to their cultural roots.
