NADRA Policy on Date of Birth Correction for Illegal Emigrants

ISLAMABAD:
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has clarified its official policy regarding the modification and correction of date of birth records for Pakistani citizens who have migrated abroad through illegal channels. The clarification comes in response to a public query from a Lahore-based woman seeking to rectify her brother’s official credentials after he illegally entered Italy, highlighting a widespread issue faced by undocumented expatriates.

According to NADRA officials, the authority maintains strict regulatory frameworks for updating computerized national identity cards (CNICs) and smart cards. For citizens residing abroad illegally, any modification in core identity data, such as the date of birth, requires rigorous verification. The applicant or their authorized representative must submit authentic supporting documents, including matriculation certificates, municipal birth certificates, or medical board reports, alongside proof of legal status or embassy facilitation where applicable.

This policy highlight underscores the growing challenges faced by thousands of undocumented Pakistani migrants in Europe, particularly in Italy, who struggle to regularize their residency status due to discrepancies in their official documentation. Legal experts warn that attempting to alter identity records while residing abroad illegally can lead to severe legal complications, including immediate deportation, as host countries coordinate closely with Pakistani foreign missions to verify identity credentials.

NADRA has strongly advised citizens to utilize official consular services and legal channels to address documentation anomalies rather than relying on unauthorized agents. The authority is currently upgrading its digital verification systems across international missions to streamline identity correction processes, aiming to prevent identity fraud while ensuring compliance with international immigration standards and bilateral treaties.