ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to implement a pre-immigration clearance system aimed at simplifying travel and easing immigration procedures for passengers, officials said on Tuesday.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a high-level UAE delegation led by Director General Customs and Port Security Ahmed bin Lahej Al Falasi. Both sides held detailed discussions on measures to further streamline the immigration process.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the pre-immigration clearance system will initially be launched as a pilot project from Karachi. Under the new arrangement, passengers will complete immigration and related clearance procedures in Pakistan before departure.
He explained that upon arrival in the UAE, travelers will be able to leave the airport without going through lengthy immigration checks, similar to the process for domestic travel. The initiative is expected to save time, enhance convenience, and significantly improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
The UAE delegation welcomed the move, describing it as beneficial for citizens of both countries, and assured full cooperation in its implementation. Officials said coordination between relevant authorities will continue to finalize administrative and technical arrangements, and following the successful completion of the pilot phase, the system will be gradually expanded to other cities.
The UAE delegation included Executive Director Digital Transformation Juma Abdullah Al Qabi, Executive Director Airports Hammad Saif Al Mashghouni, and other senior officials. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present during the meeting.
