By Safina Khan | VOA News
London: Pakistani authorities have introduced a special facilitation mechanism for overseas Pakistanis holding dual nationality who wish to perform Hajj 2027 on Pakistani passports but have faced delays in obtaining their first Pakistani passport because of mandatory security clearance.
Under the new arrangements, the security-clearance process for eligible dual-national overseas Pakistanis applying for their first Pakistani passport will be expedited to help them obtain their passports in time to complete their Hajj arrangements.
According to reports published on September 24, Director General Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa, after consultation with Director General Intelligence Bureau Fawad Asadullah Khan, has directed that the security-clearance process for such Hajj applicants be expedited. Pakistani diplomatic missions around the world have also reportedly been issued a circular regarding the new arrangements.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has also issued a special proforma for Hajj applicants. Applicants will be required to complete the form with their relevant information and submit it along with their passport application at the concerned Pakistani embassy or consulate.
The measure is intended to address delays that have previously left some dual-national Pakistanis waiting for months for security clearance before their first Pakistani passport could be issued.
The development follows a meeting held around two weeks ago in Islamabad between Overseas Pakistanis Welfare Council (OPWC) Chairman Naeem Naqshbandi and DG Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa. According to reports, the meeting discussed problems faced by overseas Pakistanis, improving coordination between the state and the overseas Pakistani community, and particularly the delays faced by dual-national Pakistanis awaiting security clearance.
The initiative is particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis who prefer to perform Hajj using Pakistani passports. Current reporting indicates that the deadline for registration and payment under the private Hajj scheme is November 20, 2026, for Hajj 2027.
Naeem Naqshbandi and other OPWC representatives have welcomed the reported measures, describing them as an effort to address long-standing difficulties faced by the overseas Pakistani community.
The OPWC representatives also highlighted the role of overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan’s economic and social development, saying that many members of the diaspora continue to maintain strong links with Pakistan and wish to contribute to the country while also performing religious obligations through Pakistani Hajj arrangements.
The new passport facilitation mechanism is expected to provide relief to eligible dual-national applicants whose first Pakistani passport applications have been delayed because of the security-clearance process.
