Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to introduce a pre-immigration clearance system that will allow Pakistani passengers to complete immigration procedures before departing Pakistan. The move will enable travellers to bypass long queues on arrival at UAE airports.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Director General of Customs and Port Security. The Ministry of Interior confirmed the development on Tuesday.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed Pakistan-UAE relations and discussed steps to simplify travel procedures. They agreed to sign a formal accord to implement the pre-immigration system.
Authorities will launch the initiative as a pilot project, with Karachi selected as the first city. Under the system, passengers bound for the UAE will complete immigration and required checks at departure points in Pakistan.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the new process will allow travellers to exit UAE airports quickly, similar to domestic arrivals. He added that the initiative will save time and significantly improve the passenger experience.
The UAE delegation welcomed the proposal, describing it as beneficial to citizens of both countries. Officials expressed full support for the project and agreed to maintain close coordination on administrative and technical arrangements.
Once the pilot phase proves successful, authorities plan to expand the system to additional airports across Pakistan.
The UAE delegation included senior officials such as Abdullah Al-Kabi and Hammad Saif Al-Mashghouni. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, and Federal Secretary for Interior, Khurram Agha, also attended the meeting.
