Lawyer Services Pakistan handles visa and work permit matters for foreign nationals in Pakistan, overstay and deportation defence under the Foreigners Act 1946, and NICOP, Pakistan Origin Card and citizenship matters for overseas Pakistanis. Every matter starts with a free consultation where we look at the actual documents first.
Immigration problems rarely arrive on their own. A work visa expires while a renewal is still pending, a foreign spouse overstays because nobody explained the extension process, or an overseas Pakistani finds their NICOP has lapsed just when they need to travel urgently. Most of these are manageable when someone who handles them looks at the documents early.
Visas and work permits for foreign nationals in Pakistan
The entry, stay and departure of foreign nationals in Pakistan is governed by the Foreigners Act 1946. Section 3 empowers the federal government to regulate entry, presence and departure, and Section 14 provides penalties for contravening the Act or orders made under it, which includes breaching visa conditions or overstaying. Business, work and student visas sit within this framework, with applications handled by the relevant federal authorities and border immigration enforced by the FIA.
We help with visa category selection and applications for foreign employees and investors, work permit renewals before they lapse, visa extensions, and the paperwork that keeps a foreign national’s status in Pakistan in order.
Overstay and deportation matters
Enforcement against foreigners without valid status has tightened in recent years, including under the federal government’s Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan announced in 2023. If a visa has lapsed or a deportation order has been raised, the time to resolve it is short.
We advise on regularising status where that is still possible, represent clients in deportation proceedings, and, where appropriate, approach the High Court where the lawful process was not followed.
NICOP, Pakistan Origin Card and citizenship for overseas Pakistanis
These two documents are often confused, usually at the worst moment, such as at an airport. The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad and allows entry to Pakistan without a visa. The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is for people of Pakistani origin who hold foreign citizenship. It gives visa-free travel and certain other privileges, but it is not citizenship.
We assist with NICOP and POC applications and renewals, citizenship matters under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 (including dual nationality questions), and documentation disputes with NADRA. If your matter also involves a travel ban or an Exit Control List listing, see our Criminal Law page.
How we work
- Free consultation. We look at your passport, visa, NICOP or POC, or the notice you have received, and tell you honestly where things stand.
- Documentation review. We identify what is missing, what has expired and what needs to be filed before a problem becomes urgent.
- Filing and follow-up. Applications, renewals and extensions are filed with the correct authority, such as the relevant ministry or NADRA, and followed through to resolution.
- Representation where needed. If a matter has escalated to deportation proceedings or a disputed citizenship claim, we represent you directly.
Immigration Lawyer in Pakistan: FAQs
What’s the difference between a NICOP and a Pakistan Origin Card?
A NICOP is issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad and allows visa-free entry. A Pakistan Origin Card is for people of Pakistani origin who hold foreign citizenship. It allows visa-free travel and certain other privileges, but it is not citizenship.
What happens if a foreign national overstays their visa in Pakistan?
Breaching visa conditions, including overstaying, can be punished under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act 1946, and the person may be detained and deported. Regularising status before enforcement action begins is usually much easier than contesting a deportation order afterwards.
Can a foreign spouse get long-term residence in Pakistan?
Foreign spouses of Pakistani nationals can generally apply for long-term visas or extensions through the relevant authorities, subject to documentation requirements such as proof of a valid marriage. This is separate from citizenship and must be renewed in line with the visa terms granted.
How long does a NICOP renewal take?
Processing times vary with NADRA’s workload and whether the application is made in Pakistan or through a Pakistani embassy or consulate abroad. Incomplete documentation is a common cause of delay, so having the application reviewed before submission helps.
Dealing with a visa, deportation or citizenship matter? Talk to us.
Every immigration matter has a window where it is simple to fix and a point after which it is not. Call +92-300-4966006, message us on WhatsApp, or request a free consultation.
Information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Contacting us does not create a lawyer-client relationship.