Pakistan, UAE to Launch Pre-Immigration Clearance System

Islamabad: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates are set to sign a formal agreement to launch a Pre-Immigration Clearance system aimed at streamlining travel and reducing airport congestion for passengers.

The decision was made 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 Lahij Al Falasi. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, mutual cooperation, and measures to simplify immigration procedures.
Under the agreement, immigration and relevant clearance for UAE-bound passengers will be completed before departure from Pakistan, allowing travelers to bypass lengthy immigration queues upon arrival in the UAE. Passengers will be able to exit UAE airports in a manner similar to domestic travelers.
The system will initially be implemented on a pilot basis, with Karachi selected as the first location. If successful, it will be gradually expanded to other cities and destinations.
Minister Naqvi said the initiative would significantly reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, and enhance the overall travel experience. He described the project as a major step toward modernizing immigration processes.
The UAE delegation welcomed the initiative, calling it mutually beneficial, and expressed full readiness to cooperate. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to finalize the administrative and technical framework of the pilot project.
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 Secretary Interior Khurram Agha were also present at the meeting.