By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced the resumption of services at its Madinah office in Saudi Arabia, restoring access to identity and registration facilities for thousands of Pakistani nationals living in the holy city and surrounding areas.
According to an official announcement, the Madinah office will reopen on July 12 after remaining temporarily closed during the Hajj season. The suspension had been implemented in accordance with directives issued by the Saudi authorities to facilitate arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.
With the reopening, Pakistani citizens residing in Madinah will once again be able to access NADRA’s full range of registration and documentation services.
Officials said the restoration of operations will provide significant relief to overseas Pakistanis who were unable to process identity-related matters during the temporary closure.
The Madinah office serves a large community of Pakistani expatriates, including workers, business owners, students and families living across the region.
NADRA officials said applicants can now visit the office to process new identity documents, renew expired cards, update personal records and complete other registration requirements.
The authority urged citizens to ensure they carry all required supporting documents before visiting the office to avoid unnecessary delays.
Officials added that normal operating procedures would resume immediately following the reopening.
The temporary suspension was part of routine administrative measures adopted during the Hajj season, when Saudi authorities introduce special arrangements to manage the arrival of millions of pilgrims from around the world.
During this period, several government and public service offices adjust their operations to support pilgrimage-related activities and ensure smooth crowd management.
NADRA said services have now resumed after the conclusion of the Hajj season and in accordance with the revised operational schedule approved by Saudi authorities.
The authority also highlighted its continued efforts to improve services for overseas Pakistanis through modern technology and enhanced identity documentation.
Earlier, NADRA introduced an upgraded version of the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), designed to provide stronger security features and greater convenience for Pakistanis living abroad.
According to the authority, the latest NICOP cards are equipped with secure microchip technology to enhance data protection and reduce the risk of identity fraud.
The upgraded cards also include improved durability, allowing them to withstand frequent use and varying environmental conditions more effectively than previous versions.
Another key feature of the new NICOP is the integration of QR code technology, enabling faster digital verification of the cardholder’s identity by authorized institutions.
Officials said the enhanced verification system is expected to simplify identity authentication while improving efficiency during document processing.
NADRA has also confirmed that it has discontinued the issuance of older Teslin-based NICOP cards as part of its transition to more secure and technologically advanced identity documents.
The authority said overseas Pakistanis are encouraged to replace older cards with the upgraded versions whenever renewal becomes due.
The introduction of improved identity documents forms part of NADRA’s broader digital modernization programme aimed at strengthening identity management services for Pakistanis worldwide.
Officials noted that millions of overseas Pakistanis rely on NICOP for travel, banking, property transactions, inheritance matters and access to various government services both inside and outside Pakistan.
The reopening of the Madinah office is expected to reduce waiting times for applicants who had postponed appointments during the Hajj period.
Community representatives welcomed the restoration of services, saying the office plays an important role in providing convenient access to documentation facilities without requiring long-distance travel to other Saudi cities.
NADRA reaffirmed its commitment to improving service delivery for overseas Pakistanis by expanding digital solutions, strengthening security features and ensuring timely access to identity-related services.
Officials advised applicants to follow office guidelines, carry complete documentation and verify application requirements before visiting to ensure efficient processing.
The authority said it will continue working with Pakistani missions abroad and host governments to provide reliable, secure and accessible registration services for Pakistani citizens living overseas.
