Migrants in Victoria holding Pakistani driver licence will not have to contact the licence issuing authority back home to prove authenticity of their documents as the state’s transport authority, VicRoads, has agreed to work through the Pakistan High Commission to serve this purpose.
Pakistan High Commissioner Ms Naela Chohan recently met with VicRoads Chief Executive John Merritt and Executive Director Registration and Licensing David Shelton to discuss the in getting a full Australian driver licence.
From now on, when the High Commission endorses any licence as authentic it will also provide VicRoads the verification letter it receives from Pakistani authorities
Both parties seem content with the outcome.
“The meeting was constructive with both parties recognising the need to make licensing processes simpler for customers,” a statement from VicRoads reads.
“I am satisfied that we are able to resolve this issue,” Ms Chohan explains in an interview with .
“They understood our reservations and we were able to understand what they were after.”
The Issue
VicRoads had been encouraging holders of Pakistani driver licence to obtain a learner permit as the authority couldn’t determine the authenticity of their documents, hence barring them from sitting in a test that could give them a full Australian licence.
We agreed to work together towards a simplified and automated approach whereby VicRoads would work through the High Commission to verify the driving history of customers with the Pakistani driving authorities
The transport authority had found some fraudulent verification letters issued under the name of various High Commissions, which dented the credibility of the verification process.
Consequently, VicRoads started directly contacting authorities in Pakistan, which not only caused significant delays but also proved to be ineffective as these authorities struggled to provide timely response to VicRoads.
The Solution
The Pakistan High Commission has maintained throughout that its process is credible, but agreed to take some extra measures to demonstrate transparency.
From now on, any verification letter issued by the Pakistan High Commission will have proof of correspondence with local authorities in Pakistan.
This means that when the High Commission endorses any licence as authentic it will also provide VicRoads the verification letter it receives from Pakistani authorities.
In return, VicRoads will stop directly contacting local authorities in Pakistan.
“It is our responsibility to respect their laws and policies and at the same time uphold our integrity as well. So, we have found a middle ground acceptable to both parties,” Ms Chohan informs.
“They need a response from the issuing authority so I assured them that being a representative of Government of Pakistan my office will do that for you.”
For existing 'L' and 'P' plate drivers who have converted from Pakistani licences, VicRoads will consider any impacts of the new process on a case by case basis
VicRoads agrees that this will make process simpler.
“We agreed to work together towards a simplified and automated approach whereby VicRoads would work through the High Commission to verify the driving history of customers with the Pakistani driving authorities. The High Commission would in turn give VicRoads confidence by providing evidence of their interactions with the Pakistani driving authorities.”
Important Information for Applicants
The process changes nothing for the applicants. They are supposed to follow the same procedure as before, except they will not have to contact any authorities in Pakistan now.
“We are the only point of contact for the applicants,” Ms Chohan maintains.
“Whatever they need, they should get in touch with us.”
People coming from Pakistan take significant measures to ensure their driver licence can be verified in Australia.
The Pakistan High Commission’s website clearly states that the licences “should first be verified from the licence issuing authorities in Pakistan by obtaining an NOC/Verification letter from them and thereafter have them attested from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad (the country’s capital) or its Camp Offices at Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar & Quetta and thereafter sent to High Commission in Canberra or Consulate General (in Sydney) for attestation in original).”
The applicants also have to fill the statuary declaration signed by Notary Public or J.P.
The processing time is five working days if all the required documents are satisfactory and genuine, as per the website.
For ‘L’ and ‘P’ Plate Drivers
Applicants who ended up going for a learner and/or provisional licence should now contact the Pakistan High Commission if they want an opportunity to receive full licence.
“These applicants should contact us and let us know what their problems are and we will negotiate with VicRoads to find a solution,” says Ms Chohan.
I request everyone to respect the law; sometimes the process can take time but that doesn’t mean that you should go for shortcuts. If anyone is found guilty of breaking any law they will be dealt with accordingly
They can also contact VicRoads directly.
“For existing 'L' and 'P' plate drivers who have converted from Pakistani licences, VicRoads will consider any impacts of the new process on a case by case basis,” the VicRoads’ statement advises.
No Shortcuts
The Pakistan High Commissioner has urged everyone not to go for any shortcuts that could harm the integrity of this process.
“I request everyone to respect the law; sometimes the process can take time but that doesn’t mean that you should go for shortcuts. If anyone is found guilty of breaking any law they will be dealt with accordingly.”
PLAY THE AUDIO FOR COMPLETE INTERVIEW IN URDU OF PAKISTAN HIGH COMMISSIONER NAELA CHOHAN
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