Travel between Pakistan and the UAE could soon get a whole lot smoother. Both nations are set to sign a Pre-Immigration Clearance agreement that will allow Pakistani passengers travelling to the Gulf country to complete immigration formalities before departure, cutting down long queues on arrival.
The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry following a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Director General of UAE Customs.
What it means for travellers
Under the proposed system, immigration and relevant clearance for UAE-bound passengers would take place at Pakistani airports, meaning travellers would be able to exit UAE airports directly upon arrival, similar to domestic passengers.
The programme is expected to launch initially as a pilot, with Karachi selected as the first location. Once fully implemented, passengers arriving in the UAE would no longer need to go through lengthy immigration procedures.
The initiative would save time, simplify travel, and significantly improve the passenger experience. The UAE delegation welcomed the move, calling it beneficial for travellers from both countries and expressing readiness to cooperate.
While no official signing date has been announced yet, both sides have agreed to continue coordination to finalise the administrative and technical framework of the pilot project. If successful, the system will be expanded to additional cities.
Pakistan already operates a similar model with Saudi Arabia, which allows Hajj pilgrims to complete immigration procedures before departure.