‎Passengers to skip airport queues as Pakistan, UAE agree on pre-immigration clearance

Pakistan and UAE have agreed to introduce "pre-immigration clearance" system that will allow passengers travelling from Pakistan to skip lengthy immigration queues upon arrival in the UAE. 

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Director General Customs and Port Security Ahmed Bin Lahij Al Falasi.

Discussions between the two focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in simplifying immigration processes for travellers.‎

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.

‎Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that under the pre-immigration clearance system, immigration and relevant clearance will take place in Pakistan itself. After its implementation, passengers arriving in the UAE will not be required to undergo lengthy immigration procedures and will be able to exit the airport directly as domestic passengers. He added that the initiative will make travel easier, save time, and enhance the overall passenger experience.‎

‎The UAE delegation termed the move beneficial for the people of both countries and expressed readiness for cooperation.

‎It was decided in the meeting that the relevant authorities would continue coordination to finalise the administrative and technical framework of the pilot project, and upon successful implementation, the system would be gradually expanded to more destinations.

‎‎The 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.