ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to introduce a pre-immigration clearance system that will allow passengers travelling to the UAE to complete immigration procedures in Pakistan and exit UAE airports like domestic travellers.
The decision was finalised during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Director General of Customs at the Al Dara Border Crossing.
Under the agreement, the system will be launched on a pilot basis in Karachi, with plans for gradual expansion to other cities if successful. Once implemented, travellers will no longer need to undergo lengthy immigration checks upon arrival in the UAE, significantly reducing waiting times and improving the overall travel experience.
The initiative comes amid stricter screening measures introduced to curb human trafficking and illegal travel. In recent months, many passengers have been offloaded due to incomplete or improper documentation.
Last week, Interior Minister Naqvi directed authorities to enforce rigorous document checks at all airports and instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to strengthen immigration controls nationwide.
Earlier this month, the government also launched Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks at airports to assist passengers with immigration procedures. These desks provide in-person guidance as well as support through helplines and email, with details available at airports, border points and on the FIA website.
The move reflects the growing number of Pakistanis travelling overseas. According to Bureau of Immigration data, more than 727,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad for employment in 2025, spanning skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled categories.
Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, followed by Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain, highlighting the scale of labour migration from Pakistan.