Log in
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan has taken a significant step toward serving its overseas citizens by launching a dedicated counter at the Pakistani Embassy in Oslo, Norway. This newly established facility marks a major milestone in ensuring that Pakistani nationals residing in Norway can easily access vital identity-related services without the need to travel back home or rely on third-party intermediaries.
For the thousands of Pakistanis living in Norway, especially in Oslo and surrounding regions, the absence of an accessible NADRA service point has long been a concern. Previously, acquiring identity documents such as the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), or even handling family registration certificates involved lengthy processing times, travel to other countries, or reliance on online systems with limited local support.
Now, with NADRA officially launching its operations within the premises of the Pakistani Embassy in Oslo, the Pakistani community can finally benefit from prompt, in-person assistance with all their national identity documentation needs.
The Oslo NADRA counter is designed to serve as a one-stop-shop for a range of identity-related services, replicating the support system available in Pakistan. Key services available at the Oslo NADRA counter include:
Issuance and renewal of NICOP
Modification and correction of identity documents
Family registration certificates (FRC)
Biometric verification services
Data rectification and updates
This development is a vital addition to the embassy’s consular services and is expected to streamline processes for Pakistani expatriates who previously had to wait weeks or even months for identity verifications and document processing.
The Pakistani community in Norway, estimated to be around 40,000 to 50,000 individuals, forms one of the largest non-European ethnic groups in the country. Many of them have deep-rooted ties with their homeland and require regular access to Pakistani civil services, particularly for maintaining dual nationality, property matters, or family legal issues.
By establishing a NADRA counter in Oslo, the Government of Pakistan is not only facilitating administrative ease but also reaffirming its commitment to staying connected with its overseas citizens. This move is part of a broader diaspora engagement strategy that recognizes the role overseas Pakistanis play in national development through remittances, investments, and cultural diplomacy.
The Oslo counter is just one part of NADRA's global outreach initiative. Recognizing the growing needs of Pakistani nationals abroad, NADRA has steadily expanded its overseas presence by setting up service counters in Pakistani embassies and consulates worldwide.
Here is an overview of existing and upcoming NADRA counters globally:
| Country | City/Embassy | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | Oslo | Newly Operational |
| United States | Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston | Active |
| United Kingdom | London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford | Active |
| Canada | Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver | Active + Upcoming |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah | Registration Centers |
| UAE | Dubai, Abu Dhabi | Registration Centers |
| Germany | Berlin | Active |
| France | Paris | Active |
| Italy | Milan | Upcoming |
| Bahrain | Manama | Upcoming |
| South Africa | Pretoria | Upcoming |
| Spain | Madrid | Active |
| Turkey | Istanbul | Active |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | Active |
| Greece | Athens | Active |
| Australia | Sydney | Active |
| Qatar | Doha | Registration Center |
The implications of this counter are far-reaching for Pakistani nationals, offering several benefits:
Reduced Wait Times: No more waiting for weeks due to back-and-forth communication with Pakistan-based NADRA offices.
In-Person Assistance: On-the-spot corrections, updates, and biometric submissions.
Elimination of Third-Party Hassles: Avoiding fees charged by unauthorized agents or service providers.
Confidence and Transparency: Dealing directly with NADRA-authorized personnel enhances data security and authenticity.
In addition to fixed service counters, NADRA has also been conducting mobile registration drives in key countries such as the UK and Saudi Arabia. These mobile units visit densely populated areas with Pakistani residents, providing doorstep services for people who may be elderly, disabled, or living in distant areas without easy access to embassy locations.
While such mobile units are not yet operational in Norway, the Oslo counter may act as a precursor to similar outreach initiatives depending on the community’s response and evolving needs.
Pakistan’s digital transformation under NADRA also means that most services offered at the Oslo counter will be integrated into the national identity system in real-time. For instance:
Citizens applying for NICOP in Oslo will have their data instantly updated in Pakistan’s central database.
Online applications can be submitted and finalized in person, offering hybrid flexibility.
Any biometric verification or photo capturing done at the Oslo counter is directly synced with NADRA’s main server, ensuring accuracy and immediacy.
The opening of the NADRA counter at the Pakistani Embassy in Oslo is more than a convenience—it's a recognition of the vital contributions of overseas Pakistanis and a step toward bridging the bureaucratic gap between the homeland and its global citizens. This initiative will not only improve service delivery but also enhance trust in Pakistani institutions.
For Pakistanis in Norway, it signifies a government that listens and responds to its people abroad. And for the Government of Pakistan, it's another milestone in building a digitally connected, globally engaged nation.
