NADRA has notified Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia that it will suspend operations at its Madinah office from April 12, 2026, ahead of the Hajj season. The suspension forms part of Hajj-related arrangements, and services will resume after the season concludes.
To reduce disruption, NADRA has increased staffing at its Registration Centre in Jeddah. Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia can also continue using the Pak-ID mobile application for digital services during the suspension period. The temporary closure affects the NADRA office in Madinah. Authorities said the suspension is necessary to support Hajj operations during a peak travel period.
Pakistani nationals have been advised to plan accordingly and avoid last-minute visits. Citizens can contact the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah for further information and assistance.
Jeddah Centre and Pak-ID App Remain Available
While Madinah services are offline, the Jeddah NADRA centre has expanded its staffing capacity to handle additional applicants. That makes Jeddah the main in-person option for many Pakistanis living in or travelling through Saudi Arabia. The Pak-ID mobile app is the main digital alternative. This gives users a way to access services without visiting a centre in person during the busy Hajj season.
The updated CNIC fee details were released on April 7, 2026. A new Smart Card costs Rs 750 under the normal category, Rs 1,500 for urgent processing and Rs 2,500 for executive service. For CNIC renewal or modification, the fees are Rs 400 for normal, Rs 1,150 for urgent and Rs 2,150 for executive processing. The first-ever identity card for Pakistani citizens remains free of charge.
For overseas Pakistanis, NICOP fees remain divided into Zone A and Zone B. Saudi Arabia falls under Zone B, where the NICOP fee is $20 for normal, $30 for urgent and $40 for executive service. The Family Registration Certificate is available only in the executive category for Rs 1,000 with 24-hour processing. The Child Registration Certificate, or B-Form, costs Rs 50 under normal processing and Rs 500 in the executive category.
NADRA officials stress that identity documents now serve a broader purpose beyond basic identification. These documents also connect to health records, education enrolment, and other public services. As a result, Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia should check their document status early, particularly while one major NADRA office remains temporarily closed.
For Pakistani Citizens (Inside Pakistan):
| Service | Normal (Fee + Time) | Urgent (Fee + Time) | Executive (Fee + Time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Smart CNIC | Rs 750 (31 days) | Rs 1,500 (23 days) | Rs 2,500 (9 days) |
| Renewal / Modification of CNIC | Rs 400 (31 days) | Rs 1,150 (23 days) | Rs 2,150 (9 days) |
| Family Registration Certificate (FRC) | — | — | Rs 1,000 (24 hours) |
| Child Registration Certificate (CRC / B-Form) | Rs 50 (7 days) | — | Rs 500 (1 day) |
For Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP):
| Category | Zone A (USA, Europe, etc.) | Zone B (Middle East, Africa) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | $39 | $20 |
| Urgent | $57 | $30 |
| Executive | $75 | $40 |
