Previously, Pakistani citizens had to renounce their Pakistani nationality to acquire citizenship in many foreign countries. However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, through the Directorate General of Passports and Immigration, has established dual citizenship agreements under the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024 with a total of 22 countries.
Under these new rules, Pakistani citizens can now retain their Pakistani citizenship even after acquiring nationality of these 22 countries. Previously, except for a few specific countries, those who acquired foreign citizenship had to relinquish their Pakistani nationality.
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The National Assembly Standing Committee has approved the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024.
In a meeting held on Wednesday, the Ministry of Law explained that some countries required proof of renunciation of Pakistani nationality as a condition to grant citizenship, which created legal complications.
The Ministry clarified that “This amendment is intended to restore citizenship for those Pakistani nationals who had to give it up upon acquiring foreign nationality. Once the bill is passed by Parliament, the new dual citizenship rules will be implemented.”
According to Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General of Passports and Immigration, “Previously, Pakistan did not have dual citizenship agreements with all 22 of these countries. But now, the agreements have been finalized, allowing Pakistani citizens to retain their Pakistani nationality even after acquiring citizenship in these countries.”
He confirmed that “Agreements have been signed from both ends, and there is no longer a requirement to renounce Pakistani citizenship.”
Which Countries’ Citizenship Can Pakistani Nationals Now Hold?
According to the Directorate of Passports and Immigration, Pakistani citizens can now retain their Pakistani nationality while holding citizenship of the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Belgium
- Iceland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Finland
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Syria
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Ireland
- Bahrain
- Denmark
- Germany
- Norway
- Luxembourg
- United States of America
Previously, acquiring the nationality of many of these countries meant Pakistani citizenship had to be forfeited. With the new agreements, this restriction has been lifted.
Which New Agreements Have Been Made?
New dual citizenship agreements have been signed with the following countries:
- France
- Italy
- Belgium
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- Finland
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Syria
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Ireland
- Bahrain
- Denmark
- Germany
- Norway
- Luxembourg
Pakistan already had dual citizenship agreements with the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
Upcoming Agreement with Türkiye (Turkey)
The government of Pakistan has also started working on a dual citizenship agreement with Türkiye. According to officials, Türkiye has proposed that both countries allow their citizens to hold dual nationality. The draft is currently under review by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If finalized, Türkiye will be added to the list of countries offering dual citizenship to Pakistani nationals.
Dual Nationals Barred from Sensitive Government Positions
Parliamentary and working groups have recommended that individuals with foreign citizenship should be barred from holding sensitive or high-ranking government positions, to maintain transparency and national trust.
According to immigration law expert Major (R) Barrister Sajid Majeed, most developed countries allow their citizens to hold more than one nationality for reasons related to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities abroad. Over 100 countries, including EU nations, North America, and some Asian and African states, have legalized dual nationality.
He noted, however, that in Pakistan, only Pakistani citizenship is legally recognized for government jobs, but there have been cases where civil servants and judiciary officials have concealed their foreign citizenship, which compromises transparency.
As a result, the federal government is proposing strict regulations for government officials with dual nationality, considering it a risk to national interest and public trust.
