Pakistan, UAE Set to Launch Pre-Immigration Clearance to Ease Travel

ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to introduce a pre-immigration clearance system to make travel easier and faster for passengers flying to the Gulf country, according to Dawn and The Express Tribune.

Under the new arrangement, travellers will be able to complete immigration checks in Pakistan before departure, allowing them to skip long queues upon arrival in the UAE. Once they land, passengers will be able to exit the airport directly, much like domestic travellers.

The development was discussed during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Ahmed Bin Lahij Al Falasi, Director General of Customs and Port Security. Both sides agreed to move ahead with signing a formal agreement to put the system in place.

Speaking after the meeting, Naqvi said the project would start as a pilot in Karachi. “The aim is to reduce travel time, ease congestion at airports and improve the overall experience for passengers,” he said.

Officials from both countries will now work on the technical and administrative details of the plan. If the pilot proves successful, the system will be expanded to other major Pakistani cities, Tribune reported.

UAE officials welcomed the initiative and assured Pakistan of their full cooperation. They said the agreement would strengthen bilateral ties and help improve the movement of people between the two countries.

The announcement comes at a time when many Pakistanis have raised concerns about visa delays and rejections for the UAE. In recent months, lawmakers and travellers have highlighted problems related to visit visas, though UAE authorities have denied imposing any general restrictions.

Industry experts believe the pre-clearance system could restore traveller confidence and reduce delays that often affect passengers and airlines at busy airports.

While an exact launch date has not been announced yet, both sides indicated that work on the project is moving quickly and the pilot phase is expected to begin soon.