NADRA abolishes NICOP cancellation fee

ISLAMABAD: National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has waived off the cost of canceling Overseas Pakistanis’ National Identity Cards (NICOP) in the event of death of a cardholder.

The initiative is to simplify the procedure of registering deaths of Pakistani citizens, the authority declared in a statement.

According to the new directive of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the fee for cancellation of NICOP cards will no longer be imposed.

To make the process easier, relatives like parents, siblings (Alpha Family), wife/husband, or children (Beta Family) of the deceased can now get the NICOP terminated without any charge.

Earlier, NADRA used to charge Rs1,420 on cancellation of the NICOP in case of the death of the overseas Pakistani.

Family members have to report the death to the concerned Union Council or Pakistan embassy, following which they can use the Pak ID Mobile App or go to the nearest NADRA center to cancel the NICOP card.

The need to personally submit the deceased’s NICOP card has also been removed. This effort is intended to facilitate timely registration of deaths and decrease the administrative hassle for families during a time of need, while making updating official records easier and more convenient.

National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is provided to Pakistani nationals who live overseas and enjoy dual nationality with a nation having a dual nationality arrangement with Pakistan.

Holders of a NICOP are exempt from needing a visa when going to Pakistan.