The United Arab Emirates and Pakistan have agreed to sign a formal agreement on “pre-immigration clearance” for Pakistani nationals visiting the Gulf country, announced the Interior Ministry on Tuesday.
The agreement, when signed, will enable Pakistani nationals to bypass lengthy immigration processes upon arrival in the U.A.E. It was agreed upon during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a delegation from the U.A.E. led by Director General of Customs and Port Security Ahmed Bin Lahij Al Falasi.
“The immigration process for the passengers will be completed in Pakistan before travel,” the statement quoted Naqvi as saying. He said the system’s implementation would reduce the lengthy immigration processes currently faced by Pakistanis upon arrival in the U.A.E. “They will be able to exit the airport directly like domestic passengers,” he added.
According to Naqvi, the system would commence under a pilot project, with the first phase to begin in Karachi. He hoped it would “facilitate travel and improve the overall travel experience.”
The U.A.E. delegation, read the statement, vowed to cooperate during the implementation of the initiative, labelling it as “beneficial” for both countries. “Relevant authorities will coordinate with each other to finalize the administrative and technical aspects of the pilot project,” it said.
The development comes amidst increasing difficulties for Pakistanis wishing to travel to the U.A.E., with visa rejections now routine.