Web Desk: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to formally implement a pre-immigration clearance system for Pakistani citizens traveling to the Gulf state, a move officials say will eliminate lengthy immigration procedures upon arrival.
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said the decision was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Ahmed bin Lahej Al Falasi, Director General of Customs and Port Security.
Under the agreement, immigration formalities for Pakistani passengers will be completed before departure from Pakistan, allowing them to exit airports in the UAE without undergoing standard arrival immigration checks.
Naqvi said the new system would enable travelers to proceed directly out of the airport upon landing, similar to domestic passengers.
“As part of this system, immigration procedures will be completed prior to travel,” he said, expressing hope that the initiative would simplify journeys and improve the overall travel experience for Pakistani citizens.
Although authorities did not announce a launch date, officials confirmed the system would initially be introduced as a pilot project in Karachi.
According to the Interior Ministry, relevant institutions from both countries will remain in coordination to finalize the administrative and technical aspects of the pilot phase.
Meanwhile, the UAE delegation described the initiative as mutually beneficial and assured full cooperation for its implementation.
The agreement marks a significant step in bilateral travel facilitation between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, home to a large Pakistani expatriate community and a major destination for work and transit travel.
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