Government Increases Pakistani Passport Fee by 50%
ISLAMABAD
The country’s cost structure has seen a historic leap with the implementation by the new government of a significant increase in Pakistani Passport Fee. The higher costs, which take effect immediately, represent a startling 50% increase. Which has the public quite concerned.
The Government of Pakistan has announced an increase in Pakistani Passport Fee (MRP) fees, effective March 7, 2024.Machine Readable Passport (MRP) prices will increase, the Pakistani government has stated, starting on March 7, 2024.
The increased Pakistani Passport Fee will apply to all passport applications received on or after March 7, 2024.This recent government decision to raise passport fees further exacerbates the difficulties for people grappling with inflation and soaring prices.
The fee adjustment comes alongside the recent introduction of a new electronic passport, featuring chip-based technology. This e-passport aims to enhance security and streamline travel procedures for Pakistani citizens.
The decision to raise Pakistani Passport Fee reflects the government’s efforts to meet financial requirements while modernizing passport services. The introduction of the chip-based e-passport aligns with global trends in passport technology, offering improved security features and efficiency in border control processes.
The federal government has announced a significant rise in passport fees. Citizens will have to pay an additional 50% to get the basic travel document.According to the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P).”If the charge was paid at the old rates prior to March 7, 2024, and the passport application is submitted on or after that date. The difference will inevitably be realized, and the passport application will only be considered once the passport fee on the increased rate, elucidated the DGI&P.“In case where the fee was deposited before 07-03-2024 at old rates and passport application is made on or after 07-03-2024, the difference will invariably be realized and passport application be entertained only on realization of the passport fee on the enhanced rate,“ the DGI&P explained.
The recent temporary suspension of new Pakistani Passport Fee issue took place. The cost of larger passports increases even more. A 72-page passport valid for five years now costs Rs8,200 for regular processing. And Rs 13,500 for expedited processing. Similarly, applicants must pay Rs 12,400 for ordinary processing and Rs 20,200 for expedited processing for a 100-page passport that is good for ten years.
Passport with 36 pages: Pakistani Passport Fee
The statement states that the cost of a standard 36-page passport for five years has increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500. And the cost of expedited processing has increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,500. Instead of paying Rs 4500. Citizens will have to spend Rs 6,700 for a 36-page passport with a 10-year validity. The expedited cost for a 36-page passport with an expiration date of increased to Rs 11,200 after ten years.
Passport with 72 pages
The cost of a 72-page regular passport, good for five years, is Rs8,200 expedited processing is Rs 13,500. For a ten-year period, the fixed fees for standard and urgent processing are Rs 12,400 and Rs 20,200, respectively.
Passport with 100 pages
The new cost for a 100-page passport that is good for five years is Rs. 18,000 for urgent processing and Rs. 9000 for ordinary processing. There is a fixed fee of Rs 13,500 for urgent processing and Rs 27,000 for urgent processing for a 100-page pakistani passport fee with a 10-year validity.
Additionally
The suspension was due to a “link-down” issue that affected data entry procedures and came from the Passport and Immigration headquarters, according to a Passport Office official.
Recently, the issuance of new passports was temporarily halted.
An official from the Passport Office cited a ‘link-down’ problem affecting data entry processes, originating from the Passport and Immigration headquarters, as the reason behind the suspension.
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