Free outpasses and passport renewal for Pakistani expats
Pakistan International Airlines also offering up to 40% discounts to amnesty-seekers
The Pakistan Consulate is issuing outpasses and offering seven-month passport extension for free during the amnesty period announced by the UAE Government, a top official said yesterday.
Consul-General Syed Javed Hassan visited the mission’s help desk at the amnesty centre in Al Aweer to help Pakistanis who want to leave, or stay back.
“The UAE Government is giving a six-month grace period to people who have regularised their status and want to look for jobs. So we are providing a seven-month passport extension.
“Within a week of the amnesty scheme, we have been able to complete the exit process for 400 Pakistanis. In addition, about 700 have come to our consulate and at the help desk in Al Aweer with different queries. We are extending all help,” he said.
Hassan added that amnesty-seekers usually have issues such as lost or expired passports, long overstay on residence and visit visas and occasional absconding cases.
There are also those with minor issues. “Some have gone directly to immigration offices, cleared their cases and have their papers in order awaiting completion of the 10-day embargo to exit,” he said.
Pakistan International Airlines is offering 20-40 per cent discounts on tickets to amnesty-seekers, Hassan said. “We also offer free tickets on a caseby-case basis.”