Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit: NADRA Application Guide

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Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit guide banner with NADRA exit permit document and flight path illustration

The Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit (HSPP) is a specific type of exit document issued by Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to Afghan nationals leaving the country under the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program. If you or someone you're helping has been told they need an HSPP, this guide explains exactly what it is, who qualifies, and how the online application process actually works through NADRA's official portal, visa.nadra.gov.pk.

Table of contents

What is the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit?

According to NADRA's official definition, the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit is a type of Exit Permit issued to Afghan nationals only, under the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program. It functions as a temporary, one-time authorization allowing an Afghan national without a valid passport or Pakistani visa to legally exit Pakistan when they are being resettled to a third country through an international humanitarian or refugee resettlement channel.

It is not a visa, and it does not grant any right to remain in Pakistan — its sole purpose is to permit exit within a fixed window.

Who is eligible for HSPP

Per NADRA's stated eligibility criteria, HSPP applies specifically to:

  • Afghan nationals who do not possess a valid passport or a valid Pakistani visa.

This makes HSPP distinct from a standard exit visa: it exists precisely for people who lack the normal travel documents that would otherwise let them leave the country, because they are part of an organized evacuation or resettlement process coordinated with a foreign government or an international organization such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The biometrics requirement

Before an HSPP application can be submitted, applicants are typically required to provide their biometric details in person at a NADRA facility, generally in Islamabad. This step is non-negotiable and is coordinated through the resettlement program or sponsoring organization that referred the applicant. Only after biometrics are collected is a token or reference issued that allows the applicant (or someone applying on their behalf) to proceed to the online application on visa.nadra.gov.pk.

How to apply for HSPP online

  1. Complete the biometrics appointment at the designated NADRA facility, as instructed by your resettlement program or sponsoring organization.
  2. Visit the official portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk and start a new Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit application.
  3. Enter the applicant's details exactly as they appear on identity or biometric records. A separate application must be submitted for each individual who requires a permit — family members cannot be combined into a single application.
  4. Upload any supporting documentation requested by the system.
  5. Pay the applicable fee through the portal's online payment option.
  6. Submit the application and retain the reference/tracking number provided for status checks.

Validity and processing time

  • Validity: once granted, the HSPP is valid for 30 days, within which the applicant must exit Pakistan.
  • Processing time: NADRA's stated processing time is 7 working days. Note that final issuance remains the prerogative of the Government of Pakistan, so this is a target timeframe rather than a guarantee.

HSPP fee and payment

A processing fee applies to each HSPP application and is paid online at the time of submission through the NADRA portal. Because fee amounts are subject to revision, always check the current fee displayed on the official HSPP page before paying, rather than relying on a figure from a third-party source.

What "Sent Back for Review" means

If your application is marked "Sent Back for Review," it means NADRA has identified an issue that needs correcting — commonly a document quality problem or a data mismatch. Per NADRA's own guidance, this is worth understanding clearly: the 7-working-day processing clock restarts from scratch once you resubmit. In other words, it does not continue from where it left off — it begins again as a fresh 7-day count from your resubmission date. Double-checking every detail and document before your first submission is the best way to avoid this delay.

Important travel and safety notes

Applicants without a valid Pakistani visa should be aware that travelling within Pakistan — including to attend a biometrics appointment — carries inherent risk if they cannot show proof of legal entry or status. Foreign governments coordinating resettlement (through their embassies or international partners like IOM) are generally not able to intervene if an applicant is detained or questioned by local authorities while travelling to an appointment. If you are working with a resettlement program, follow their specific instructions on documentation to carry and how to respond if stopped.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for a Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit?

Only Afghan nationals who do not possess a valid passport or valid Pakistani visa, and who are part of the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program, are eligible.

How long is the HSPP valid?

30 days from the date it is granted. The applicant must exit Pakistan within that window.

How long does HSPP processing take?

NADRA's stated processing time is 7 working days, though final issuance is at the discretion of the Government of Pakistan.

Do I need to submit one application per family or per person?

Per person. A separate HSPP application is required for each individual who needs a permit, including children.

What happens if my HSPP application is sent back for review?

You'll need to correct the issue and resubmit. Once resubmitted, the 7-working-day processing period restarts from the new submission date rather than continuing from where it paused.

Is the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit the same as a visa?

No. It is strictly an exit permit that authorizes departure from Pakistan within a fixed 30-day window — it does not function as, or replace, a visa.

Related Reading

If you're assisting someone through the HSPP process, always confirm the latest requirements, fees, and instructions directly on the official NADRA portal, since procedures under humanitarian resettlement programs can be updated without much notice.

Location: Pakistan

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