Punjab cabinet approves increase in domicile fee

LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a significant increase in domicile fee.

Under the new decision, the basic domicile fee has been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 550. This includes Rs 200 as government fee, Rs 300 as e-affidavit and Rs 50 as service charge.

The government has also decided to make the process of obtaining domicile completely digital. Now citizens will be able to apply online from home and the fee will also have to be deposited through e-Pay Punjab.

In addition, a new mobile app is also being introduced through which it will become easier to apply and pay. This system will include NADRA-style digital verification, which will reduce the chances of fraud.

Under the new system, the time for issuing domicile has also been reduced and now this document can be issued within 2 to 3 days. If citizens want to obtain domicile through courier, additional charges have also been fixed for it. Similarly, the costs of security paper, data hosting and system maintenance have also been included in the fee.

On the other hand, the Finance Department has expressed some reservations over the increase in the fee. The authorities have identified discrepancies in various parts of the fee and have sought full details. In particular, clarification has been sought on the e-affidavit and other charges.