By – Tahir Munir Tahir (Dubai)
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has introduced a membership card under which members and their families are provided with accidental insurance of up to Rs. 2 million, priority in housing schemes, and facilities like education, health care. The card provides services to overseas Pakistanis and their families in Pakistan, including 50% fee waiver for children in OPF schools and special scholarships.
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) was established by the Government of Pakistan on July 8, 1979, under the Emigration Ordinance 1979 for the welfare of Pakistani emigrants and their families. This institution works as a non-profit organization under the Overseas Pakistanis and human resource development-
Those holding an OPF membership card get accidental death or disability coverage of up to two million Pakistani rupees, while facilities are available for members and their families in hotels, diagnostic centers, hospitals, and pharmacies. OPF includes 50% fee concession for up to 4 children in educational institutions run by OPF, as well as scholarships for higher education in medical, IT, and engineering.
Cardholders get preferential access to OPF housing schemes, special incentives for foreigners, including priority in government welfare initiatives, such as laptops and scooters, etc., ensuring comprehensive protection, with benefits extended to spouses and children, while the member’s stay abroad and for 3 years after returning to Pakistan. –
How to get overseas pakistanis foundation (opf) membership card
This card can be obtained free of charge for those registered with the Protectorate of Emigrants, while additional premium features may require Pakistanis to pay Rs. 6,000. – Overseas Pakistanis who are not registered with the Protectorate can obtain this card by paying a fee, while applications for the acquisition card can be submitted through the OPF web portal or through the Pakistani embassy/consulate in the host country.
All Pakistanis who have travelled abroad on valid and safe work visas issued by the Protectorate of Emigrants, Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) or Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) after March 23, 1979 are automatically registered with OPF and can avail themselves of OPF services.
Overseas Pakistanis who are not registered with OPF can voluntarily register by paying a one-time membership fee of just PKR 10,000, thus gaining access to the wide range of benefits and services offered by OPF.
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Note: This is the personal view of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Pakistan News policies.