The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has received a letter from the Interior Ministry informing them that the amnesty programme for foreigners "illegally” residing in Pakistan is coming to an end.
Details indicate that because the amnesty programme will expire on December 31 the NADRA has been asked to fine and blacklist the foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas.
The Ministry of Interior launched the overstaying foreigner amnesty programme on July 29 to temporarily allow illegal expatriates to remain in the country; it expires on December 31, 2022.
Regarding the amnesty programme for foreigners who have overstayed their visas and wish to leave Pakistan, the interior ministry sent a letter to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
It stated that the cutoff date of the general amnesty scheme for overstaying foreigners to exit Pakistan is December 31, 2022.
The interior ministry further asked the NADRA to revert to the existing policy. It added NADRA should start collecting the overstay charges for exit permits from January 1, 2023, from foreigners for an overstay period of more than one year.
The federal government had introduced the amnesty scheme for foreigners, restricting the payment of hefty fines for getting their exit permits.
As per the Foreigners Act 1946, a three-year sentence can be awarded to overstaying foreigners.
