When living abroad, Pakistanis must maintain a valid and official connection with their homeland. For this purpose, NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) offers two types of identification cards for overseas Pakistanis: the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) and the Pakistan Origin Card (POC). But how do you know which card is the right choice for you in the UK? In this article, we will explore the key differences between NICOP and POC, discuss their benefits, and help you decide which one to apply for.
Understanding NICOP: Who Is It For?
The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is designed for Pakistani citizens who reside outside Pakistan. Whether you were born in Pakistan and later moved abroad or are a second—or third-generation Pakistani born in the UK, NICOP ensures that you retain your rights and identity as a Pakistani citizen.
Key Features of NICOP:
- Available to anyone who holds Pakistani citizenship and resides abroad.
- It is required for Pakistani expatriates who wish to travel to Pakistan without needing a visa.
- Provides the right to vote in Pakistan’s elections.
- Can be used for official documentation within Pakistan, such as purchasing property or opening a bank account.
In short, NICOP is essential for any Pakistani citizen living in the UK who wishes to retain a connection to Pakistan and its legal system.
Understanding POC: Who Is It For?
The Pakistan Origin Card (POC), on the other hand, is for individuals of Pakistani origin who have given up their Pakistani citizenship but still want to maintain ties with the country. If you were once a Pakistani citizen and have since acquired British nationality or the nationality of another country, you may be eligible for the POC.
Key Features of POC:
- Available to people who no longer hold Pakistani citizenship but have ancestral ties to Pakistan.
- Allows visa-free entry to Pakistan.
- Provides certain rights, such as purchasing property, opening bank accounts, and engaging in business in Pakistan.
- Does not give voting rights or the ability to hold Pakistani passports.
The POC is an excellent option for people of Pakistani origin in the UK who want to maintain strong ties to their roots without the responsibilities of dual citizenship.
Key Differences Between NICOP and POC
To decide whether to apply for a NICOP or POC in the UK, it is essential to understand the fundamental differences between the two. NICOP is available to Pakistani citizens residing abroad, while the POC is available to those who have renounced Pakistani citizenship but still have ancestral ties to Pakistan.
NICOP allows visa-free entry to Pakistan, voting rights, and the ability to obtain a Pakistani passport. POC also provides visa-free entry and allows you to own property or open bank accounts in Pakistan, but it does not offer voting rights or the right to hold a Pakistani passport.
In essence, NICOP is suited for Pakistani citizens living abroad, while POC is for those of Pakistani origin who have taken up foreign citizenship but want to maintain a formal connection with Pakistan.
Benefits of Applying for NICOP in the UK
For Pakistanis living in the UK, applying for a NICOP brings a variety of benefits.
Visa-Free Travel:
If you frequently travel between the UK and Pakistan, a NICOP will allow you visa-free entry into Pakistan. This can save you time and money on visa applications.
Legal Documentation:
Having a NICOP can make it easier for you to complete legal processes in Pakistan, such as purchasing property, opening bank accounts, or dealing with inheritance matters.
Voting Rights:
With a NICOP, you can vote in Pakistan’s elections, giving you the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of the country, even from abroad.
Access to National Programs:
Holders of NICOP can participate in national programs, such as the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program or other government initiatives aimed at overseas Pakistanis.
For UK residents who still retain their Pakistani citizenship and want to stay connected to Pakistan’s legal and political systems, applying for a NICOP is an excellent choice.
Benefits of Applying for POC in the UK
While a POC doesn’t grant voting rights or the ability to hold a Pakistani passport, it offers many other benefits that are particularly useful for those who have naturalized as British citizens but still want to maintain a strong connection with Pakistan.
Visa-Free Entry:
With a POC, you can travel to Pakistan without the need for a visa, making it convenient for holidays, family visits, or business trips.
Right to Own Property:
A POC grants you the right to own property in Pakistan, which can be an advantage if you wish to invest in real estate or maintain a residence in the country.
Engage in Business:
If you are involved in business ventures in Pakistan, the POC allows you to conduct business and open bank accounts, making financial dealings more straightforward.
Security of Connection:
Although you are no longer a Pakistani citizen, the POC offers a secure and formal way to maintain your ties with Pakistan, ensuring that you remain eligible for certain rights and privileges.
If you have given up your Pakistani citizenship but still want to keep a close connection with Pakistan, the POC is the right choice for you.
How to Apply for NICOP and POC in the UK
The process for applying for either NICOP or POC is straightforward and can be done online via NADRA’s official portal or by visiting one of the Nadra Solutions centers in the UK.
NICOP Application Process:
1. Online Application:
Visit the NADRA website and start your application for NICOP. You will need to provide documents like your Pakistani passport, proof of address in the UK, and a digital photograph.
2. Biometric Verification:
You may need to visit a NADRA office for biometric verification (fingerprints and photograph).
3. Submit and Pay:
After completing the online form, submit your application and pay the required fees.
4. Processing Time:
NICOP applications generally take 4-6 weeks for processing, although expedited options are available.
POC Application Process:
1. Eligibility Check:
Ensure you are eligible for the POC by confirming that you or your ancestors were Pakistani citizens.
2. Online Application:
Fill out the POC application form on NADRA’s official website. Provide your British passport, proof of ancestral Pakistani nationality, and other required documents.
3. Submit and Pay:
Submit the application and pay the processing fees online.
4. Processing Time:
POC applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process.
If you have an existing card that is about to expire, don’t worry—Nadra card renewal UK services are available online, allowing you to renew your NICOP or POC without leaving your home.
NICOP vs. POC: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between NICOP and POC depends entirely on your citizenship status and how you want to maintain your connection to Pakistan.
NICOP is the best option if you are still a Pakistani citizen living abroad and want to enjoy visa-free entry, voting rights, and full access to legal documentation and services in Pakistan. POC is the right choice if you have acquired British nationality but wish to retain strong ties with Pakistan. It allows you to travel, own property, and conduct business in Pakistan without the need for a visa or any additional documentation.
If you’re uncertain about which card to apply for, you can consult Nadra Solutions or explore NADRA’s official website to ensure you make the best decision for your specific situation.
Conclusion: NICOP or POC—The Choice is Yours
Whether you are a Pakistani citizen living in the UK or a British national of Pakistani origin, it’s essential to stay connected to your roots. Both NICOP and POC offer excellent ways to maintain a formal link with Pakistan, but the right card for you depends on your individual needs.
For Pakistani citizens in the UK, the NICOP is an ideal solution, offering full citizenship rights and easy access to Pakistan without a visa. On the other hand, for those who have become British citizens but still want to preserve their connection to Pakistan, the POC provides a wide range of benefits, including visa-free entry and property ownership rights.
To get started on your application or renewal, visit NADRA’s official website or consult Nadra Solutions, where you can find all the support and services you need to apply for or renew your NADRA card in the UK.
