NADRA Removes Fees for Overseas Pakistanis: Introduces Easier Card Cancellation Process 2025. In a major relief for millions of overseas Pakistanis, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has officially removed all fees for canceling the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) of deceased individuals. This step, directed by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, aims to simplify the process, remove financial stress, and make government services more accessible for Pakistani families living abroad.
Whether you reside in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the US, or anywhere else, this update ensures that your family can now cancel a deceased member’s NICOP without paying any charges—online or at NADRA centers.
Why NADRA’s 2025 Decision Matters
The announcement marks a progressive shift in NADRA’s service model—placing ease, transparency, and compassion at the center of its operations.
For years, overseas families struggled with:
- Paying high NICOP cancellation fees
- Long waits at NADRA centers
- Difficulty submitting original documents from abroad
By waiving cancellation fees and introducing a digital cancellation option, NADRA now provides relief to families dealing with loss saving both time and money.
Free NICOP Cancellation for Deceased Overseas Pakistanis
According to the official NADRA notice, family members of deceased individuals—including parents, siblings, children, or spouses can now cancel the NICOP free of cost.
Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligible to Apply | Required Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Parents | Yes | Death certificate + NIC copy |
| Spouse | Yes | Marriage certificate + NIC copy |
| Children | Yes | Birth certificate + NIC copy |
| Siblings | Yes | Family registration certificate (FRC) + NIC copy |
Note: The death must be registered with the local Union Council in Pakistan or verified through the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate abroad.
This initiative reduces the financial burden on overseas Pakistanis who often faced difficulties transferring documents or paying processing fees through banks or third-party agents.
How to Cancel a NICOP in 2025 (Step-by-Step Process)
NADRA has introduced a two-way process—online through the Pak-ID mobile app and offline at NADRA registration centers in Pakistan or overseas.
Option 1: Through NADRA Centers
- Visit any NADRA Registration Center in Pakistan or the nearest Pakistani Mission/Embassy abroad.
- Provide the death certificate issued by the Union Council or foreign authority.
- Submit a copy of the deceased person’s NICOP (no need for the original card).
- Provide your own valid CNIC/NICOP to confirm your relationship.
- NADRA will process the cancellation without any fee.
You’ll receive an official cancellation confirmation through SMS or email within a few days.
Option 2: Through Pak-ID Mobile App (Online Process)
For overseas Pakistanis who cannot visit NADRA offices, the Pak-ID app offers a 100% online solution.
Here’s how to cancel NICOP online:
- Download the Pak-ID App: Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Sign In: Use your CNIC/NICOP number and password.
- Select “Card Cancellation”: From the available service options.
- Upload Documents:
- Death certificate (PDF or image format)
- Relationship proof (marriage certificate, FRC, or birth certificate)
- Submit Application: There’s no payment step now, as the fee has been officially removed.
- Receive Confirmation: NADRA will send an email or app notification confirming successful cancellation.
This online method is a game-changer for overseas citizens, allowing them to manage documentation without traveling or couriering physical cards.
NADRA’s Digital Birth & Death Registration System
The fee waiver aligns with NADRA’s larger plan to digitize birth and death registration nationwide. Under the National Biometric and Registration Policy Framework, NADRA has begun connecting hospitals, health centers, and local governments to a centralized system for real-time updates.
Key Features of the Digital System
- Automatic registration from hospital data
- Reduction in fake or delayed entries
- Secure integration with NADRA’s national database
- SMS and app notifications for registration confirmation
This new framework will be fully implemented by January 1, 2025, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval.
Trial and Expansion Across Pakistan
The system is currently in the testing phase, but NADRA has already installed it in over 50 hospitals nationwide.
Hospitals Where the System Is Live
| City | Hospitals Implemented |
|---|---|
| Islamabad | PIMS, CDA Hospital, Federal Government Hospital |
| Lahore | Lady Aitchison Hospital |
| Quetta | Bolan Medical College |
| Haripur | DHQ Hospital |
| Batkhela | District Headquarters Hospital |
| Mirpur (AJK) | Mirpur District Hospital |
| Gilgit | Shaheed Syed-ur-Rehman Hospital |
| Sindh | Hyderabad and Matiari Hospitals |
Once fully operational, this framework will make digital death registration automatic, further simplifying NICOP cancellation and family record updates.
How the Initiative Benefits Overseas Pakistanis
NADRA’s new initiative is not just about removing a fee—it’s about trust, convenience, and inclusion.
1. Financial Relief
Families no longer have to pay NICOP cancellation fees, which could cost thousands of rupees, especially with currency conversion and overseas payment charges.
2. Time Efficiency
The Pak-ID App and digital systems reduce paperwork and long waiting periods, making NADRA services accessible 24/7 globally.
3. Transparency
Digital processes leave no room for corruption or unauthorized agents, ensuring families can directly handle applications themselves.
4. Emotional Convenience
The initiative recognizes the emotional stress of families dealing with death abroad and ensures they don’t face added administrative hurdles.
NADRA’s Vision for Digital Governance 2025
This reform falls under NADRA’s broader vision of “Smart Governance for Every Citizen”—a step toward paperless identity management and global accessibility.
NADRA is expected to expand the Pak-ID ecosystem in 2025 by integrating:
- Smart ID Renewal and Reissuance
- Digital Family Registration Certificates (FRC)
- Online Birth and Death Records
- Blockchain-based Verification Systems
With these improvements, NADRA aims to become one of the most digitally advanced identity authorities in South Asia.
Official Statements and Public Reaction
Government’s Stand
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that this initiative symbolizes the government’s commitment to serving overseas Pakistanis with empathy.
He stated:
“Our citizens abroad are ambassadors of Pakistan. It is our duty to make official procedures easier for them, especially during times of family loss.”
Public Response
On social media, the move has been praised widely. Many overseas community groups and expatriate forums called it a long-awaited relief, while others lauded NADRA’s digital transformation efforts.
Pak-ID App: The Future of Citizen Services
The Pak-ID app has rapidly become a vital digital tool for Pakistanis worldwide. Besides NICOP cancellation, users can also:
- Apply for New CNIC/NICOP
- Renew existing cards
- Track application status
- Update addresses or personal information
Pak-ID App Highlights
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Face & Fingerprint Verification | Secure identity confirmation |
| e-Sign & Digital Submission | No need for physical documents |
| Real-Time Tracking | Check status anytime |
| Global Access | Works from over 170 countries |
This ensures NADRA remains aligned with Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan Vision 2025.
How to Contact NADRA for Overseas Services
| Service | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.nadra.gov.pk |
| Pak-ID Portal | https://id.nadra.gov.pk |
| Email Support | info@nadra.gov.pk |
| Helpline (Pakistan) | 1777 |
| Helpline (International) | +92-51-111-786-100 |
You can also visit NADRA’s official Twitter and Facebook handles for instant updates on service changes and digital rollout.
FAQs
1. What is the new NADRA rule for overseas Pakistanis in 2025?
NADRA has removed all fees for canceling the NICOP of deceased overseas Pakistanis and simplified the process through its Pak-ID app and centers.
2. How can families cancel NICOP without visiting Pakistan?
They can log into the Pak-ID mobile app, upload required documents, and complete the process entirely online—no physical visit or fee needed.
3. When will the new digital birth and death system be active?
The system is scheduled for nationwide launch on January 1, 2025, after successful testing in major hospitals.
4. Do I need the original NICOP of the deceased for cancellation?
No, NADRA now accepts a copy of the NICOP and a death certificate, removing the need to send physical cards.
5. Can this service be used by Pakistanis living in the Middle East or Europe?
Yes, overseas Pakistanis across Gulf, Europe, the US, and other regions can use NADRA’s online Pak-ID service for free cancellation.
Conclusion
The NADRA fee removal for overseas Pakistanis and the simplified NICOP cancellation process 2025 mark a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward digital transformation and citizen-centric governance.
