Pakistan embassies in Saudi Arabia and UAE resume passport services after technical issues in Islamabad, restoring issuance and renewal services from May 5, 2026 for overseas Pakistanis.
Pakistan’s embassies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have officially resumed passport issuance and renewal services after a temporary suspension caused by technical issues at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports in Islamabad. The restoration of services is a major relief for overseas Pakistanis who were facing delays and backlogs during the disruption period.
Passport Services Restored in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi
According to official statements from the Pakistani embassies in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, passport services were successfully restarted on May 5, 2026. The services had been temporarily halted due to technical faults affecting the central passport system in Pakistan.
With the system now restored, applicants can once again apply for:
- New passport issuance
- Passport renewal
- Urgent passport-related services (as per embassy guidelines)
This development is expected to significantly improve service delivery for thousands of Pakistanis living abroad.
Backlog Reduction and Service Improvement
Embassy officials have advised all applicants to:
- Check official embassy websites and social media pages regularly
- Confirm updated timings before visiting
- Follow revised application procedures, if any
- Avoid unnecessary visits to prevent overcrowding
This advisory aims to ensure smooth service flow and better management of applicant queues.
Impact on Overseas Pakistanis
The restoration of passport services is particularly important for overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where large communities depend on timely passport renewals for:
- Employment documentation
- Residency requirements
- Travel and legal compliance
Conclusion
The resumption of passport services by Pakistan’s embassies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE marks a positive step toward normalizing essential public services for overseas citizens. With systems now restored, authorities are focusing on clearing backlogs and improving efficiency to ensure smoother operations in the future.
