KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has made biometric verification mandatory for foreign currency sale transactions.
The central bank on Wednesday issued amendments to the exchange companies manual to stop the undesirable outflow of cash foreign currency.
The SBP introduced following regulatory measures:
i. Persons travelling to Afghanistan will be allowed to carry only USD1,000/- per person per visit with a maximum annual limit of USD6,000.
ii. Exchange companies will be required to conduct biometric verification for all foreign currency sale transactions equivalent to USD500/- and above and outward remittances. This requirement will be applicable with effect from October 22, 2021.
iii. Exchange Companies will sell the cash foreign currency and make outward remittances, equivalent to USD10,000/- and above, against receipt of funds through cheque or banking channels only.
The SBP said that the regulatory measures will help to improve documentation of sale of foreign currency by exchange companies and place a check on undesirable outflow of foreign currency.
Following is the text of circular No. 6 of the SBP
Amendments in Instructions for Exchange Companies
Attention of Exchange Companies and Exchange Companies of ‘B’ Category is invited to instructions contained in Para 9 (i) (f)&(g), 9(iii) (f)&(g) of Chapter 3 and Para 12 (i) (c) & (d) of Chapter 8 of Exchange Companies Manual.
2. In order to strengthen regulatory regime for Exchange Companies, it has been decided to amend/change the applicable regulations relating to scope of business of Exchange Companies and Exchange Companies of ‘B’ Category. Accordingly, the relevant instructions in the following Paras of Exchange Companies Manual stand replaced as under:
Para 9 (i) (f) Chapter 3 of Exchange Companies Manual
“For all foreign currency sale transactions equivalent to USD 500/- or above, Exchange Companies shall retain copies of identification documents i.e., Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) /National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)/ Pakistan Origin Card (POC) / Passport (having valid visa on it or any other proof of legal stay of a foreigner in Pakistan) after having seen the document in original. In addition, Exchange Companies shall also carry out biometric verification of Pakistani Nationals for all such transactions and maintain the record thereof”.
Para 9 (i) (g) Chapter 3 of Exchange Companies Manual
“All sale transactions of USD 10,000/- or above (or equivalent in other currencies) shall be conducted by the Exchange Companies through Cheque/ Bank Transfer from the personal account of the customer. Instrument/ transaction reference number and issuing bank’s name shall be mentioned on the transaction receipt along with identification document number of the customer.”
Para 9 (iii) (f) Chapter 3 of Exchange Companies Manual
“Exchange Companies shall retain copies of identification documents i.e., Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)/National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)/Pakistan Origin Card (POC)/Passport (having valid visa on it or any other proof of legal stay of a foreigner in Pakistan) for conducting transfers/ remittances transaction regardless of the amount. The name, address and identification document number of the customer shall also be mentioned on the receipt after due verification and with stamp of “original seen”. In addition, Exchange Companies shall also carry out biometric verification of Pakistani Nationals for all transactions and maintain record thereof”.
Para 9 (iii) (g) Chapter 3 of Exchange Companies Manual
“All outward transactions of USD 10,000/- or above (or equivalent in other currencies) shall be conducted by the Exchange Companies through Cheque/ Bank transfers from the personal account of the customer. Instrument/ transaction reference number and issuing bank’s name shall be mentioned on the transaction receipt along with identification document number of the customer.”
Para 12 (i) (c) Chapter 8 of Exchange Companies Manual
“For all foreign currency buy and sale transactions equivalent to USD 500/- or above, Exchange Companies of ‘B’ Category shall retain copies of identification documents i.e., Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) /National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)/ Pakistan Origin Card (POC) / Passport (having valid visa on it or any other proof of legal stay of a foreigner in Pakistan) after having seen the document in original. In addition, Exchange Companies of ‘B’ Category shall also carry out biometric verification of Pakistani Nationals for all such sale transactions and maintain the record thereof”.
Para 12 (i) (d) Chapter 8 of Exchange Companies Manual
“All sale transactions of USD 10,000/- or above (or equivalent in other currencies) shall be conducted by the Exchange Companies of ‘B’ Category through Cheque/ Bank Transfer issued from the personal account of the customer. Instrument/ transaction reference number and issuing bank’s name shall be mentioned on the transaction receipt along with identification document number of the customer.”
3. All above instructions are applicable with immediate effect. However, for implementing the requirements for biometric verification, Exchange Companies and Exchange Companies of ‘B’ Category shall make necessary arrangements, including procurement of hardware and software and establishing connectivity with NADRA latest by October 21, 2021, while the instructions shall be applicable with effect from October 22, 2021.
4. All other terms and conditions on the subject shall remain unchanged.
