Blogs > Useful Information / Visas

Pakistani Protector Stamp

• August 15, 2018

What is a protector stamp?

It is mandatory for every Pakistani (with a valid abroad work visa) to get their Passport stamped from Protectorate of Emigrants in order to leave Pakistan.

Whilst Pakistani’s travelling abroad for a holiday are exempt from this, it is extremely important to understand that for those relocating to another country for work, without a protected passport, the Pakistani airport personnel will not allow one to board their international flight.

What is its purpose?

The original purpose of this protection is to receive the appropriate data of the emigrant, cover the emigrant through life insurance, and to eliminate illegal international travel.

The process of passport protection is complicated and can last for a whole day, sometimes more. So, this article aims to help IMGs better understand and follow the procedure.

---

Step 1:

To apply for your protector stamp you will need the following documents:

1. NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) – This is the first requirement of the process.

NICOP is a computerised card for identification of a single person visiting a country. The card is issued by the National Database and Registration Authority and typically takes 15 days to arrive after you have submitted your application.

To apply for a NICOP you can visit your nearest NADRA centre.

Please note that only a NICOP receipt is necessary for Protectorate of Emigrants department and the plastic card is not needed to receive your protector stamp.

2. Valid Visa Work Permit – An original visa or photocopy of your valid visa is required
3. Employment Offer/Contract – The original or scanned copy of your NHS Hospital Employment Offer/Contract should be attached to your application.
4. Pakistani Passport
5. Pakistani CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card)
6. Next of Kin Information
7. Medical Report
8. Bank Challan Receipts
9. Life Insurance
10. An Undertaking Form
11. Passport Photograph

---

Step 2:

Once you have collated the above documents you can visit your nearest Protectorate of Emigrants office.

When you arrive go to the window and show the officer your CNIC, NICOP or its receipt, your passport and the photocopy of your UK visa to the officer.

The officer is likely to sign to sign your visa photocopy and then ask you to take it to another window. At the second window, you will be asked to submit the rest of your documents.

---

Step 3:

After you have submitted all your forms, you will need to wait for a few hours to get your passport stamped. The office typically asks people to return after 3pm.

---

Notes:

1. If you do not have an original visa, meaning that you only have a photocopy, faxed copy or a scanned copy of your visa, the protector may ask you to write an AFFIDAVIT and get it stamped from a public notary official.

You can find a public notary official at any court.

2. Make sure to get photocopies of all your forms and documents. You can photocopy them at the office, but this will be time-consuming.
3. When you collect your stamp, make sure it contains the correct details.

---

Questions and Answers

1. If I am from Pakistan and I am relocating abroad for work, do I need a protector stamp?

Yes, you are legally required by the Government of Pakistan to have a protector stamp before you travel.

2. How long will the protectorate stamp remain valid?

The stamp will expire with your visa, so look for the validity of your visa to find the expiration date.

3. Do I need a protectorate stamp for my PLAB 2 visa?

No, a protector stamp is only necessary for work visas only.

4. If I am not from Pakistan, do I need a protector stamp?

Each country will have different emigration rules, so it is important to check this information before you travel.

---

If you are an IMG who wants to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS send your CV to [email protected] and one of our Specialist Advisers will be in touch.

Come and say hello! Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor. Here you will have access to frequent relocation to the UK blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and to meet other IMGs!

---

References

wikiHow. (2018). How to Get Your Passport Stamped from Protectorate of Emigrants in Pakistan. [online] Available at: https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Passport-Stamped-from-Protectorate-of-Emigrants-in-Pakistan [Accessed 15 Aug. 2018].