The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) is overhauling its services to facilitate citizens. DGIP chief Muhammad Ali Randhawa confirmed several major updates, including the introduction of blue passports today. Other updates include digital application methods and a strict shift to cashless payments.
Blue Passports: Recognizing Top Taxpayers & Businessmen
On the Prime Minister’s directives, authorities have approved blue passports for 42 top taxpayers. The government has designated these high-achievers as “ambassadors at large”. Most of these blue passports have already been issued.
Furthermore, authorities are considering a proposal for another special-coloured passport. This specific category will target businessmen who pay taxes above a certain threshold. The Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are currently evaluating this proposal.
Going Digital: Apps & Chatbots
To tackle human resource shortages, the DGIP is seriously considering an online passport application system. Officials are debating whether to launch a dedicated app, similar to NADRA’s Pak-ID, or expand the existing NADRA app.
Consequently, citizens could submit applications 24/7 from anywhere. Users will simply upload their photographs and old passports through the app. If the department needs additional documents, it will notify applicants via email.
Additionally, the DGIP will launch a dedicated chatbot soon. This automated tool will help applicants check their passport submission status, understand document requirements, and receive procedure guidelines. Ultimately, this integration will reduce the heavy burden on the department’s call center, which is also currently undergoing expansion.
Cashless Payments & Home Delivery
Starting after June 30, applicants will no longer deposit passport fees at National Bank branches. Instead, the department will activate a fully cashless system to permanently eliminate the “agent mafia”. Passport tokens will now feature a QR code. Applicants will scan this code to securely pay fees directly through their mobile banking applications.
Finally, the DGIP will introduce a nationwide home delivery service. Discussions with a courier service are currently underway. Soon, applicants can pay a nominal courier charge to have their passports shipped directly to their doorsteps from Islamabad. In the second phase, authorities plan to extend this convenient home delivery service to overseas Pakistanis.
