Pakistanis in UAE Can Keep Home SIM Cards Active Without Government Blocking

Pakistanis living in the UAE and other overseas destinations can now continue using their home country SIM cards without the risk of government blocking, following new facilitation measures announced by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The regulator said subscribers must inform their respective mobile service providers to ensure continuity of service while residing abroad. The move is aimed at supporting Pakistan’s growing diaspora and maintaining uninterrupted access to mobile communication.

“In order to serve the country’s diaspora, it has ‘introduced facilitative measures to prevent the blocking of mobile SIMs during their foreign stay,’” the PTA said. “Under this initiative, subscribers may inform their respective service providers to avail this facility for a specific duration, subject to applicable charges (if any).”

Major boost for Pakistanis in the UAE

The decision is expected to benefit more than 1.7 million Pakistani nationals living and working in the UAE, one of the largest expatriate communities in the country. Globally, around 10 million Pakistanis reside abroad, with approximately 5.5 million based in Gulf countries, mainly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

“This initiative enables Pakistani citizens staying abroad to retain subscriptions to their mobile SIMs, ensuring uninterrupted access to mobile services through their respective service providers,” the authority said in a statement shared on social media.

Usage and payment requirements explained

The PTA outlined specific requirements for both prepaid and postpaid users to keep their SIM cards active:

For prepaid subscribers:
Users must generate at least one activity every 180 days, such as making a call, sending an SMS, using mobile data, or recharging their balance.

For postpaid subscribers:
Customers must ensure timely payment of monthly line rent and any outstanding dues. “Regular and on-time bill payments are sufficient to maintain the active status of the connection,” the authority said.

Advisory for overseas Pakistanis

The PTA advised Pakistanis living in the UAE and other countries to stay in regular contact with their mobile service providers and comply strictly with usage and billing requirements to avoid service disruption.

Members of the Pakistani community in the UAE welcomed the announcement, saying the measure will help expatriates stay connected with family and manage important services linked to their Pakistan-based mobile numbers.

The new policy reflects ongoing efforts by Pakistani authorities to improve digital connectivity and support citizens living abroad.