Online Temporary Mobile Phone Registration System Launched to Facilitate Tourists
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced the launch of the Online Temporary Mobile Phone Registration System on Tuesday, aiming to provide convenient services to overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors. The new system allows them to register and utilize their personal mobile phones for up to 120 days upon their arrival, exempting them from duties and taxes during this period.
This initiative extends its benefits to a wide range of individuals, including overseas Pakistanis such as students and employees, as well as foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for tourism or business purposes.
In the near future, a non-financial package will be introduced to provide additional support and benefits to overseas Pakistanis. This move demonstrates the government's commitment to facilitating the diaspora and strengthening their ties with their homeland.
The background to this initiative dates back to December 2018, when the government introduced the 'Mobile phone tax policy,' which allowed overseas Pakistanis to bring one phone without paying customs duty. However, registration of the phone upon arrival at the airport was mandatory to ensure its functionality. Failure to register within 60 days would result in the phone being inactive until taxes were paid to regularize the device.
Building on this previous policy, in 2022, authorities upgraded the Identification Registration and Blocking System, enhancing its features. Overseas Pakistanis were granted the convenience of using their imported mobile phones for an extended period of 120 days. This upgraded system facilitated data exchange among various agencies such as the FIA, the FBR, and the PTA, and it was seamlessly integrated with the FIA's record of entry and exit of passengers.
The Online Temporary Mobile Phone Registration System stands as a testament to the government's commitment to promoting technological advancements and fostering a friendly environment for overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors alike. With such initiatives in place, Pakistan aims to harness its potential for economic growth and prosperity in the ever-evolving digital age.
