MANAMA: Pakistanis naturalized Bahrainis face no problems at the Bahrain International Airport (BIA) or point of entries across Pakistan on visa or POC issues, according to an official.
“On Thursday, we have notified in writing to all airlines operating from BIA as well as regulators about the decision of the Government of Pakistan’s Interior Ministry to withdraw the proposal of asking for pre-travel visa or POC,” Maqsood Qadir Shah, Community Welfare Attaché at Pakistan Embassy in Manama told The24X7News (www.twentyfoursevennews.com).
It may be recalled that the condition of visa or POC for Bahraini nationals holding NICOP had been withdrawn by the Ministry of Interior Government of Pakistan on Wednesday.
There are thousands of Pakistani naturalized Bahrainis living in Bahrain who travel to Pakistan with National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). Such travelers in circular were actually asked to apply for Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or travel by securing pre travel visa from Pakistan Embassy.
“I have spoken to the CEO of the Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) and briefed him on the development which was followed up a written communication to managers of all airlines at the BIA,” Mr Shah added.
Mr Shah thanked the Bahraini authorities for a prompt response in disseminating the Government of Pakistan’s decision on the subject.