ABU DHABI // Pakistan embassy staff promised to help compatriots who face problems applying for identification cards.
The embassy recently stopped accepting manual applications for the new overseas ID card and Pakistani origin cards, which now have to be applied for online.
The cards – mandatory for all Pakistanis living abroad – are essential for individuals wanting to apply for passports and other certificates. But some blue-collar workers said they did not have access to computers to apply for the cards and were unable to understand the forms, which are in English.
Dr Faisal Ahmed, deputy head of mission at the embassy, said staff from the national database and registration authority of Pakistan, which issued the cards, would be able to help.
“All possible assistance is already extended to blue-collar workers in addressing their consular needs,” he said.
Expatriates said they were concerned about how to apply.
Sardar Ahmed, 40, who works as a gardener in Abu Dhabi, said that he had never used a computer.
“I am not an educated man. I don’t know how to open a computer. I can barely write in Urdu and have no idea about English. How can I apply for my card online?” he said.
“There are thousands of other workers here who are uneducated like me. It is a major concern for all of us.”
Dr Faisel Ikram, general secretary of the Pakistan Association Dubai, said he shared Mr Ahmed’s concerns.
He hoped an orientation programme would be introduced for those who did not know how to use the online services.
“We also realised it would be difficult for many of us as most of our brothers here are not educated enough to use online services,” he said. “We would be glad to offer a support desk at the association office for filing online applications.”
The minimum for processing an online application is seven working days. But international shipping requires five extra working days for UAE-based applicants, the embassy said.
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
