Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit: Guide for Afghan Nationals in Pakistan

Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit Pakistan - guide for Afghan nationals via visa.nadra.gov.pk

Note: This is a page within the Pakistan Online Visa System, a federal Government of Pakistan service administered by NADRA and the Ministry of Interior — not a Punjab provincial platform. Because this permit relates to a humanitarian relocation program, applicants should always confirm current requirements directly on the official site, since eligibility criteria and program terms can be updated.

The Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit (HSPP), applied for at visa.nadra.gov.pk/humanitarian-safe-passage-permit, is a specific type of Exit Permit issued exclusively to Afghan nationals under the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program. This guide explains what the permit is, who qualifies, and how the application process works.

What Is the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit?

The HSPP is a type of Exit Permit issued to Afghan nationals only, under the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program. Its purpose is to allow eligible Afghan nationals in Pakistan — including those without a valid passport or Pakistani visa — to transit safely through Pakistan on their way to resettlement or relocation in a third country. It is administered through NADRA's Pakistan Online Visa System, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.

Eligibility

According to the official portal, the HSPP is available to:

  • Afghan nationals only — this permit is not available to any other nationality
  • Applicants who do not possess a valid passport or visa for Pakistan
  • Individuals who are part of the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program, which has involved coordination with international partner organizations and resettlement programs run by countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and various European nations

How It Differs From a Standard Exit Permit

Feature Exit Permit Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit
Eligible nationals 192 countries Afghan nationals only
Reason for use Expired, cancelled, or rejected Pakistani visa No valid passport/visa, under the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program
Validity 15 days 30 days
Processing time 48–72 hours 7 working days

Validity and Processing Time

  • Validity: once granted, the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit is valid for 30 days, within which the applicant must exit Pakistan
  • Processing time: typically 7 working days
  • As with the standard Exit Permit, if your application is sent back for review, the processing time restarts from the date of resubmission — so it's important to ensure all information and documents are accurate and complete the first time

As issuance remains the prerogative of the Government of Pakistan, processing times are indicative rather than guaranteed, and applicants coordinating onward travel or resettlement logistics should build in a reasonable buffer.

General Application Process

  1. Visit visa.nadra.gov.pk/humanitarian-safe-passage-permit for the latest official eligibility details.
  2. Log in to or register on the Pakistan Online Visa System.
  3. Select the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit application category.
  4. Provide the identity and program-related details requested, since specific documentation requirements can depend on your case under the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program.
  5. Submit the application and allow for the standard 7 working day processing period.
  6. Once granted, plan your exit from Pakistan within the 30-day validity window.

Given the sensitivity and case-specific nature of relocation programs, applicants — especially those without existing coordination from a resettlement country or international organization — are encouraged to seek guidance from the relevant international partner organization involved in their case, or from a qualified immigration professional, in addition to consulting the official NADRA portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-Afghan nationals apply for the HSPP?

No — the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit is issued exclusively to Afghan nationals under the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program. Nationals of other countries without a valid Pakistani visa should instead look into the standard Exit Permit.

Do I need a valid passport to apply?

No — the HSPP is specifically designed for Afghan nationals who do not possess a valid passport or visa for Pakistan, under the relocation program's provisions.

How long is the permit valid once approved?

30 days — applicants must exit Pakistan within that window once the Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit is granted.

What happens if my application needs corrections?

If it's sent back for review, the standard 7 working day processing period restarts once you resubmit the corrected application.

Related Reading

Final Thoughts

The Humanitarian Safe Passage Permit provides a defined, official channel for eligible Afghan nationals to transit through Pakistan as part of the Afghan Evacuation and Relocation Program. Given how case-specific and evolving these arrangements can be, applicants should treat visa.nadra.gov.pk/humanitarian-safe-passage-permit as the authoritative source for current eligibility and process details, and coordinate closely with any international partner organization involved in their relocation.

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