Pakistan, UAE Agree on Pre-Immigration Clearance for Pakistani Travellers

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to a formal pact for pre-immigration clearance for Pakistani citizens travelling to the UAE, allowing them to bypass lengthy immigration procedures upon arrival.

The agreement was made during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Director General of Customs and Port Security Ahmed bin Lahej Al Falasi.

According to the minister, Pakistani citizens will be able to complete immigration formalities before their trip, allowing them to leave the airport directly upon arrival in the UAE, similar to domestic flight passengers.

The new system will be introduced as a pilot project, starting in Karachi, though no date was given. The minister hopes it will make travel easier and improve the overall travel experience.

The UAE delegation considered the move beneficial for both countries and assured cooperation in its implementation.

The pilot project will be followed by further expansion to other cities once it is completed in Karachi.

The development comes as Pakistanis have faced difficulties obtaining UAE visas over the past year.