UAE & Pakistan agree to launch pre-immigration clearance pilot

ISLAMABAD: A delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by Director General Customs and Port Security Ahmed bin Lahij Al Falasi, called on Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in ​​Islamabad.

The meeting discussed in detail Pak-UAE relations, mutual cooperation and making the immigration process easier for passengers.

During the meeting, it was agreed to sign a formal agreement between Pakistan and the UAE regarding “Pre-Immigration Clearance”. This new system will be launched initially on a pilot basis, the first phase of which will start from Karachi.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that under Pre-Immigration Clearance, the immigration and related clearance of passengers will be completed in Pakistan itself. After the implementation of this system, passengers will not have to go through lengthy immigration procedures on arrival in the UAE and will be able to exit the airport directly like domestic passengers.

Mohsin Naqvi said that this initiative will significantly improve travel convenience, save time and improve the overall experience of passengers. The UAE delegation described the project as beneficial for the people of both countries and assured full cooperation.

It was also agreed in the meeting that the relevant authorities will continue to coordinate to finalize the administrative and technical aspects of the pilot project, while after a successful pilot, the system will be expanded to more locations in a phased manner.

The UAE delegation included Executive Director Digital Transformation Jama Abdullah Al Qabi, Executive Director Airports Hammad Saif Al Mashghouni and other senior officials. The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Federal Secretary Interior Khurram Agha.