The 22 Countries: A Shocking New List Of Nations Where Pakistan Now Allows Dual Citizenship (2024 Update)
The landscape of Pakistani nationality law has undergone a monumental shift in 2024, completely redefining what it means to be an Overseas Pakistani. For decades, the ability to hold a foreign passport while retaining Pakistani citizenship was a complex, limited, and often confusing arrangement governed by the original Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951. However, with the recent passage of the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Government of Pakistan has officially and significantly expanded its dual nationality agreements, bringing the total number of approved countries to a surprising 22. This landmark legislative change directly impacts millions of people worldwide, offering a new era of legal security and connection for the Pakistani diaspora.
This article provides the most current and comprehensive breakdown of the new dual nationality policy, detailing the legislative background, the full list of confirmed countries, and the essential documentation required for dual nationals to regularize their status with the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P). The new law, effective as of late 2024, is a game-changer, ensuring that a Pakistani who acquires the nationality of an approved country is no longer required to renounce their original Pakistani nationality.
The New Dual Nationality Law: Legislative Background and Key Entities
The core of Pakistan’s nationality framework has always been the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951. Historically, Section 14A of this Act generally prohibited a Pakistani citizen from holding dual nationality. However, the law provided a crucial exception: the Federal Government had the power to enter into bilateral agreements with other countries, allowing their citizens to retain their Pakistani nationality upon naturalization.
The recent legislative action—the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024—was introduced to formalize and dramatically expand this list of designated countries. This bill was championed by key figures in the government, including Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar, and passed through the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan, reflecting a concerted effort to recognize and facilitate the status of the global Pakistani diaspora.
Key Facts of the Amendment:
- Legislation: Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024.
- Impacted Section: Amends Section 14A of the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951.
- Total Countries: The number of countries with dual nationality agreements has been officially expanded to 22.
- Objective: To allow Pakistani nationals to retain their citizenship after acquiring the nationality of a designated country, eliminating the requirement for renunciation of nationality.
Why the Expansion to 22 Countries Matters
For years, the dual nationality arrangement was limited to a smaller, specific list of countries, primarily those with large, established Pakistani communities. The 2024 expansion to 22 countries is a significant policy shift that benefits a much broader segment of Overseas Pakistanis. This change provides legal clarity and security, allowing dual nationals to fully participate in Pakistani society (e.g., holding a Pakistani passport, acquiring a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), and owning property) without fear of compromising their foreign nationality.
The Official List: 22 Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship with Pakistan
Under the new amendments, the Government of Pakistan has established formal dual nationality agreements with 22 nations. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) are the primary government bodies confirming this updated list. While the full, official list of all 22 countries is extensive and continually being updated across official portals, the following is a comprehensive list of all confirmed and historically agreed-upon nations that are included in the new 22-country arrangement. This list includes major new additions like France, Germany, and Sweden.
- North America:
- United States of America (USA)
- Canada
- Europe (Confirmed & Historically Agreed):
- United Kingdom (UK)
- France (New Addition)
- Germany (New Addition)
- Italy
- Belgium
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Sweden (New Addition)
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Finland
- Oceania:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Middle East & Africa:
- Egypt
- Jordan (New Addition)
- Syria
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Kuwait
(Note: The total list is 22 countries. This list compiles the most frequently cited and officially confirmed countries, including the new additions mentioned in the 2024 amendment reports. Citizens of these 22 countries are exempt from the renunciation requirement.)
How Overseas Pakistanis Can Formalize Their Dual National Status
Acquiring dual nationality is only the first step; a dual national must formalize their status to enjoy the benefits of Pakistani citizenship, such as travel and official documentation. The primary document for all dual nationals is the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), which is processed by NADRA.
1. National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
The NICOP is a mandatory identity document for any Pakistani citizen residing abroad who holds dual nationality with one of the 22 designated countries. It is proof of your Pakistani citizenship and allows visa-free entry to Pakistan. The application process is typically managed online through the NADRA portal, Pak-Identity.
2. Pakistani Passport and Documentation
Once the NICOP is secured, dual nationals can apply for a Pakistani passport. It is important to note that the NICOP is the key to all official transactions, including:
- Opening bank accounts in Pakistan.
- Purchasing and inheriting property (subject to specific provincial laws).
- Obtaining a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) (for those who renounced citizenship but wish to reacquire a long-term visa status, though this is less relevant for dual nationals).
- Voting rights (though the implementation of voting for Overseas Pakistanis remains a subject of ongoing legal and legislative debate).
3. Citizenship by Descent and Marriage
The Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951 also provides pathways for citizenship that automatically result in dual nationality for certain individuals, regardless of the 22-country list (as long as the other country also allows it):
- By Descent: A person born abroad to at least one Pakistani parent is automatically entitled to Pakistani nationality. This is often the most common path for second and third-generation Overseas Pakistanis.
- By Marriage: A foreign woman married to a Pakistani man may apply for citizenship through registration. Conversely, a foreign man married to a Pakistani woman does not currently have the same right under the existing law, which is a point of ongoing legal review and debate regarding gender equality.
The Future of Dual Nationality: What to Watch For
The Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024 is a clear signal that the government is actively working to integrate its diaspora. However, the legal and political landscape remains dynamic. Ongoing discussions often revolve around the political participation of dual nationals. While they are now legally secure in their citizenship, the Constitution of Pakistan currently has restrictions on dual nationals holding specific high constitutional or political offices, such as membership in the National Assembly or the Senate. This constitutional bar is a separate matter from the dual nationality agreement itself.
The expansion to 22 countries is a massive step towards embracing the global Pakistani community, providing them with the stability to invest, travel, and maintain cultural ties without the bureaucratic headache of renunciation or the fear of losing their original nationality. For anyone holding or seeking citizenship in one of the 22 designated countries, the time to formalize your status with NADRA and the DGI&P is now, ensuring you can fully enjoy the rights and privileges of being a dual citizen of Pakistan.
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