Pakistan decided to cancel passports of asylum seekers in foreign countries

Pakistan decided to cancel passports of asylum seekers in foreign countries

The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has decided to cancel and not issue passports for asylum seekers in foreign countries, including the UK, the USA, and others. An asylum seeker is a person who leaves their country of residence and enters another country. He/she applies for refugee in another country.

The ministry has made a new policy, that prohibits the passport’s issuance to Pakistani nationals who apply for refugee (asylum) abroad. Mohsin Naqvi, the federal interior minister, made this decision.

*The Federal Interior Minister ordered relevant authorities to cancel the passports of asylum seekers*

According to this decision, a Pakistani national having asylum abroad cannot obtain a passport. The Pakistani authorities will cancel the passports of such people. They will also not renew their passports under this new policy.

All relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have received a direction from the Interior Ministry to implement this new policy.

Likewise, the Foreign Ministry ordered the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports to cancel the passports of Pakistani asylum seekers abroad.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports is the only legal authority to issue passports to lawfully resident individuals. It facilitates their travel and offers them protection during foreign visits.

However, this new policy will significantly affect Pakistani nationals seeking asylum abroad. It will make it difficult for asylum seekers to travel and access necessities and essential services.

*Notification issued by the Federal government regarding asylum seeker policy*

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However, the Interior Minister of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, said they have decided to cancel the passports of asylum seekers for the national security and safety of the country.

As a result, anyone traveling abroad with a valid Pakistani passport will have Pakistan’s diplomatic and consular representative’s protection.

This is because a passport is the only legal document that verifies the identification of a Pakistani national living abroad. It also grants them permission to enter and leave the country.