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ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP):Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to introduce a “pre-immigration clearance” system that will allow passengers traveling from Pakistan to skip lengthy immigration queues upon arrival in the UAE.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Director General of Customs and Port Security Ahmed bin Lahij Al Falasi. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in simplifying travel and immigration procedures.
Under the proposed system, immigration checks for UAE-bound passengers will be completed in Pakistan before departure. Karachi has been selected as the pilot location for the initial rollout.
Minister Naqvi said the initiative would significantly reduce processing time for travelers, enabling them to exit UAE airports as domestic passengers. “This system will make travel easier, save time, and greatly improve the passenger experience,” he said.
The UAE delegation welcomed the proposal, calling it beneficial for citizens of both countries and affirming full cooperation in its implementation.
Both sides agreed to continue coordination to finalize the administrative and technical framework for the pilot phase. If successful, the program will be expanded to additional airports in Pakistan.
The visiting 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 also attended the meeting.