Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to sign a “pre-immigration clearance” agreement, allowing UAE-bound travellers to complete clearance in Pakistan and exit the airport directly, similar to domestic passengers in the Gulf nation.
The development came during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Director General of Customs Al Dara Border Crossing Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi.
The new immigration system will be launched initially on a pilot basis, and it will be implemented in Karachi in the first phase.
Once implemented, passengers will not need to go through the lengthy immigration process, the minister added, pointing out that not only will travelling become convenient, but the new process will save considerable time and improve passengers’ overall experience.
Once the pilot project turns out to be successful, the immigration system will be gradually expanded to more locations, according to the official statement.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of the offloading of passengers owing to improper, incomplete documentation in recent months, in light of stern measures implemented by the authorities to curb human trafficking and illegal travel abroad.
Last week, Naqvi had directed authorities concerned to enforce strict screening of passengers’ travel documents at all airports across the country and had ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to ensure the effective implementation of immigration laws and strengthen airport immigration systems along with rigorous screening of travellers’ documents.
Earlier this month, the government also launched “Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks” for assisting passengers travelling abroad.
The desks, as per the interior minister, will provide guidance and assistance to international travellers on immigration procedures and clearances, ensuring a smoother and more hassle-free travel experience.
The desks are accessible in person and also via helplines and email, and relevant details are available at airports, border points and on the FIA website.
