The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has postponed the launch of E-Passport services in the United Arab Emirates. The new system was originally scheduled to begin on July 20, 2026, but the rollout has now been delayed until further notice.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, the embassy explained that the decision was made due to unavoidable technical and administrative reasons. Officials said more time was needed before the service could be introduced successfully.
According to the embassy, the acceptance and processing of passport applications under the E-Passport category have been suspended for the time being. No applications will be processed until a new launch date is officially announced.
The embassy assured applicants that a revised schedule would be shared as soon as the necessary arrangements are completed. Until then, residents are advised to wait for further updates before applying under the new passport category.
Despite the delay, the embassy confirmed that regular passport services will continue without interruption. The issuance and renewal of existing Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) will remain available through the current application process.
This means Pakistani nationals living in the UAE can still apply for new MRPs or renew their existing passports using the established procedures. The postponement affects only the E-Passport service and does not impact other passport-related facilities.
The embassy emphasized that all existing passport services are operating normally. Applicants who urgently need to renew their passports or obtain a new Machine-Readable Passport can continue to visit the embassy and complete the required formalities as usual.
Officials also thanked the Pakistani community in the UAE for their patience and cooperation during the temporary delay. They acknowledged that many applicants had been looking forward to the launch of the digital passport system and appreciated the community’s understanding.
The embassy encouraged residents to stay informed through its official communication channels. It advised applicants to regularly check the embassy’s website and verified social media accounts for announcements regarding the revised launch date.
The introduction of E-Passport services is expected to modernize Pakistan’s passport system for overseas citizens. Once launched, the electronic passport will offer enhanced security features and improved identity verification through an embedded electronic chip.
Many countries have already adopted electronic passport technology to strengthen border security and make international travel more secure. Pakistan has also been expanding the availability of electronic passports for its citizens at home and abroad.
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For now, Pakistani nationals in the UAE can continue using Machine-Readable Passport services without any changes. The embassy has assured applicants that it will provide timely updates once the technical and administrative issues have been resolved and the new E-Passport service is ready for launch.
