Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to sign a formal arrangement on “pre-immigration clearance” to streamline travel for Pakistani nationals visiting the Gulf country, the Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday.
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The agreement, finalized during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Director General of Customs and Port Security Ahmed Bin Lahij Al Falasi, will allow passengers to complete immigration procedures in Pakistan before departure. Once operational, travelers will be able to exit UAE airports like domestic passengers, bypassing lengthy queues and clearance processes.
A “pre-immigration clearance agreement” between the UAE and the Pakistani government has been agreed to be signed, according to the statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior.https://t.co/7B7pUP0n3q#DialoguePakistan #UAE #Pakistani #government pic.twitter.com/ieQAwIAGzF
— Dialogue Pakistan (@DialoguePak) January 13, 2026
Minister Naqvi said the system will first launch as a pilot project in Karachi, with plans to expand to other cities subsequently. “The new system will facilitate travel and improve the overall travel experience,” he noted. UAE authorities expressed full cooperation, describing the initiative as “beneficial” for both countries. Relevant administrative and technical arrangements are being coordinated to implement the pilot smoothly.
The announcement comes amid previous difficulties faced by Pakistanis in obtaining UAE visas. Last year, several Pakistani citizens experienced delays or rejections, particularly for visit visas. During multiple meetings, Pakistani authorities sought “relaxation in visa policies,” while the UAE assured support and introduced five-year visas for eligible travelers.
Officials stressed that the pre-immigration clearance system is expected to enhance efficiency for travelers and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Federal Secretary for Interior Khurram Agha were also present during the discussions.
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By allowing immigration checks to be completed prior to departure, the initiative aims to reduce congestion at UAE airports, minimize wait times, and improve the travel experience for Pakistani citizens while promoting closer ties between the two nations.