Pakistan: Accession to Hague’s Apostille Convention
January 25, 2023
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At a Glance
- On March 9, 2023, Pakistan will become the 123rd member to accede to the Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, commonly referred to as the “Apostille Convention” or the “Hague Convention”.
- Pakistan’s accession to the Apostille convention will allow documents originating in Pakistan, such as education certificates and birth certificates, and those legalized according to the requirements of the treaty, to be accepted in the 122 member countries. It will also allow documents similarly processed and originating from other Hague member countries to be accepted in Pakistan.
- The new process streamlines recruitment and immigration processing for employers and foreign nationals in Pakistan by reducing processing times and avoiding complicated legalization steps at consulates. It also streamlines immigration processes for Pakistani nationals in the other 122 Hague member countries. However, individuals should expect temporary delays as the new process is implemented across consulates.
The situation
On March 9, 2023, Pakistan will officially become the 123rd member to accede to the Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, commonly referred to as the “Apostille Convention” or the “Hague Convention”.
A closer look
The new process will allow documents originating in Pakistan, such as education certificates and birth certificates, and those legalized according to the requirements of the treaty, to be accepted in 122 member countries. It will also allow documents similarly processed and originating from other Hague member countries, to be accepted in Pakistan.
Impact
- Streamlined processing. The new process will streamline recruitment and immigration processing for employers and foreign nationals in Pakistan by reducing processing times and lowering the cost of document legalization by avoiding additional certification or legalization at a consulate. It will also streamline immigration processes for Pakistani nationals in the other 122 Hague member countries.
- Possible implementation delays. During the implementation of new apostille processes in accordance with the treaty, individuals should expect that temporary delays may occur in Pakistan when obtaining such documents and with the acceptance of apostilled documents at Pakistani consular posts in other Hague member countries.
Background
- Original convention. The Apostille Convention was established in 1961 to facilitate the use of public documents abroad. It abolishes the traditional, often lengthy, requirement of legalization, replacing it with a one-step attestation process through the issuance of a single Apostille certificate by a competent authority. Recently, Saudi Arabia also acceded to the Apostille Convention on December 7, 2022.
- Electronic program. In 2006, the Hague Conference on Private International Law launched an electronic Apostille Program (e-App) to support the electronic issuance and verification of Apostilles around the world.
Looking ahead
Pakistan will officially accede to the Apostille Convention on March 9, 2023. It is currently unclear if Pakistan will also adopt the e-App Program (the electronic Apostille Program that allows electronic issuance and verification of Apostilles around the world).
Pakistan’s Prime Minister's Strategic Reforms Minister stated that the Foreign Office was working to implement and notify notaries across Pakistan to attest documents which would be acceptable at all Hague Convention signatory countries, but that this could take approximately six months.
Fragomen will report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
