Dual Citizen or not?

[pm5k 129]

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

That's exactly what I said?

I meant to say that only citizens get it, so if one renounces, they do not get a NICOP.  They can get a POC instead.

[OldUser 6,455]

30 minutes ago, pm5k said:

I meant to say that only citizens get it, so if one renounces, they do not get a NICOP.  They can get a POC instead.

Exactly, that's why I also mentioned that being a citizen is required.👍

[WonderingRobort 3]

On 10/14/2023 at 4:58 PM, Visitor User said:

Do most USC that were born in Pakistan keep dual citizenship or renounce Pakistan citizenship?

 

I do have a valid NICOP so I can enter Pakistan without a valid Visa/Pakistan Passport. 

 

Why or why not?

 

Pros and Cons?

Only Pakistani citizens can have the NICOP. With giving up citizen, you are also giving up the NICOP.   After that you can have the POC (Pakistan origin card) that I believe also let you visa free entry in Pakistan.

[Visitor User 253]

1 hour ago, WonderingRobort said:

Only Pakistani citizens can have the NICOP. With giving up citizen, you are also giving up the NICOP.   After that you can have the POC (Pakistan origin card) that I believe also let you visa free entry in Pakistan.

I have a valid NICOP which is free entry into Pakistan. What do you recommend?

Edited December 11, 2023 by Visitor User

[Phoen1x 4]

Since you are looking for pro and cons there really isn't a valid list that fits everyone. What one person finds good other would find pointless.

 

Any case the main reason to keep dual-citizenship.

1. Enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of both countries.  (obviously Pakistan has less benefits to offer its citizens but it still has them)

2. Laws for foreign nationals apply. You have to report your stay in Pakistan to the police etc, many are not enforced anyways but who knows countries can become progressive.

3. You lose NICOP as soon as you relinquish your Pakistani citizenship. So that free entry into Pakistan is gone. You would have go apply for a POC card(Also visa free entry for foreign nationals)

4. Certain bank accounts/tax/business accounts are not allowed for foreign nationals. 

5. Many government funded schemes are not allowed for foreign nationals. For example, you would not be allowed to partake in the Hajj Scheme that is funded partly by the Pakistan government yearly.

 

and Cons (not many)

1. Renewal Fees on multiple IDs for both countries.

2. That's about it. The US passport states your country of birth so if you think you can hide your background just because you have a US passport think again.

 

Oh last thing

NICOP renewal requires you to enter details for US passport that would automatically make you dual-citizen. 

[Visitor User 253]

58 minutes ago, Phoen1x said:

Since you are looking for pro and cons there really isn't a valid list that fits everyone. What one person finds good other would find pointless.

 

Any case the main reason to keep dual-citizenship.

1. Enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of both countries.  (obviously Pakistan has less benefits to offer its citizens but it still has them)

2. Laws for foreign nationals apply. You have to report your stay in Pakistan to the police etc, many are not enforced anyways but who knows countries can become progressive.

3. You lose NICOP as soon as you relinquish your Pakistani citizenship. So that free entry into Pakistan is gone. You would have go apply for a POC card(Also visa free entry for foreign nationals)

4. Certain bank accounts/tax/business accounts are not allowed for foreign nationals. 

5. Many government funded schemes are not allowed for foreign nationals. For example, you would not be allowed to partake in the Hajj Scheme that is funded partly by the Pakistan government yearly.

 

and Cons (not many)

1. Renewal Fees on multiple IDs for both countries.

2. That's about it. The US passport states your country of birth so if you think you can hide your background just because you have a US passport think again.

 

Oh last thing

NICOP renewal requires you to enter details for US passport that would automatically make you dual-citizen. 

So it’s best to be dual citizenship with USA and Pakistan right? My Pakistan Passport will expire in 2028. So don’t renew it but keep renewing NICOP for life so enter Pakistan visa free? 

Edited December 19, 2023 by Visitor User

[Juicy Fruits 1]

Bro, you've answered your question multiple times. Let your Pakistani passport expire, keep your NICOP card up to date, and travel with your US passport (and bring your NICOP if you go to Pakistan). That's it. Your Pakistani passport is useless and no need to renounce your Pakistani citizenship. 

Edited December 25, 2023 by Juicy Fruits

[Visitor User 253]

9 hours ago, Juicy Fruits said:

Bro, you've answered your question multiple times. Let your Pakistani passport expire, keep your NICOP card up to date, and travel with your US passport (and bring your NICOP if you go to Pakistan). That's it. Your Pakistani passport is useless and no need to renounce your Pakistani citizenship. 

I think it’s best to let my Pakistan Passport expire. Keep renewing NICOP for life. I will keep dual citizenship and visa free entry to Pakistan.

[Visitor User 253]

So my NICOP has an address in Pakistan as well as USA but I am a PR. Why do they ask for an address in Pakistan? 

Edited March 11 by Visitor User

[pm5k 129]

It has both addresses because it functions as a standard Pakistani ID card within Pakistan.

[Visitor User 253]

2 hours ago, pm5k said:

It has both addresses because it functions as a standard Pakistani ID card within Pakistan.

But that was my last address. I don’t live there anymore. 

[pm5k 129]

2 hours ago, Visitor User said:

But that was my last address. I don’t live there anymore. 

You have to put some type of Pakistani address.  Usually it is your home or one of a close relative (where you would presumably stay if you were to ever visit Pakistan).  That's just how the system is made.  It is like ID cards or DLs in the US.  

And before you say "bUt I LiVe iN aMeRiCa", that's just how the system works.

[Visitor User 253]

2 hours ago, pm5k said:

You have to put some type of Pakistani address.  Usually it is your home or one of a close relative (where you would presumably stay if you were to ever visit Pakistan).  That's just how the system is made.  It is like ID cards or DLs in the US.  

And before you say "bUt I LiVe iN aMeRiCa", that's just how the system works.

Ok. Thanks.