Key Takeaways
- The launch of e-passport services for Pakistani citizens in the UAE has been postponed indefinitely.
- Technical and administrative issues are cited as the reason for the delay.
- Existing Machine-Readable Passport services will continue uninterrupted.
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has announced a significant change to its planned launch of e-passport services. In a public notice issued on July 19, 2026, the embassy stated that the service was being postponed until further notice due to unavoidable technical and administrative reasons.
According to the embassy’s statement, applications under the e-passport category will not be accepted or processed at this time. The exact launch date has yet to be determined, with no revised timeline provided for now.
In a bid to reassure the Pakistani community in the UAE, the embassy clarified that existing Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) services will continue uninterrupted. Citizens can still apply for new MRPs or renew their current passports through the usual procedures without any disruption.
The embassy expressed gratitude towards the Pakistani community for its understanding and cooperation during this period of uncertainty. It advised residents to regularly check the official website and social media accounts for updates on the revised launch date.
This development comes as a surprise to many, given that the e-passport service was initially scheduled to begin on July 20, 2026. The postponement may impact the convenience of Pakistani citizens who were planning to use the new digital services.
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has emphasized its commitment to providing the best possible services to its community and is working diligently to resolve any issues that have led to this delay. It reassures applicants that a revised date for the start of e-passport services will be announced soon.
For now, Pakistani residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. The embassy’s website and social media accounts remain the primary sources for updates on service changes and new developments.
