A new immigration system is set to launch for UAE-bound travelers at Karachi’s airport, allowing passengers to complete clearance in Pakistan and exit UAE airports like domestic travelers.
The agreement was reached 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.
The system will initially be rolled out on a pilot basis in Karachi, with plans to expand to other airports if successful.
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Under the new process, passengers will no longer have to go through lengthy immigration procedures upon arrival in the UAE. Minister Naqvi highlighted that the system would save considerable time and improve the overall travel experience for UAE-bound passengers.
The initiative comes as part of stricter measures to prevent offloading of travelers due to incomplete or improper documentation. Authorities have been implementing rigorous screening to curb human trafficking and illegal overseas travel.
READ: Govt establishes pre-departure desks to assist int’l travellers
Last week, Naqvi instructed relevant authorities and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to strengthen airport immigration systems and enforce compliance with travel document regulations.
The new immigration system is being introduced amid a significant increase in overseas migration. According to the Bureau of Immigration, more than 727,000 Pakistanis moved abroad for employment in 2025, including over 400,000 unskilled and 200,000 skilled workers.
Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, followed by Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain.
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With the pilot project in Karachi, Pakistan aims to make UAE travel faster, safer, and more efficient, streamlining the process for thousands of citizens traveling for work, business, and leisure.
