Pakistani nationals travelling to the UAE may soon be able to complete immigration and security clearance before departure, after the two countries agreed to move forward with a pre-immigration clearance system.
The development was announced on Tuesday following a meeting between senior officials from the UAE and Pakistan, including Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Ahmed Bin Lahij Al Falasi, Director General of Customs and Port Security, who led a UAE delegation to Pakistan.
According to officials, the proposed system will allow immigration and related checks for Pakistani travelers to be conducted at airports in Pakistan, rather than upon arrival in the UAE.
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Agreement discussed during high-level UAE–Pakistan talks
Officials said the pre-immigration clearance plan was discussed as part of broader cooperation between the two countries on border management, passenger facilitation, and security coordination.
Mohsin Naqvi said that under the proposed framework, travellers who complete the clearance process in Pakistan would be treated as pre-approved passengers on arrival in the UAE, potentially reducing processing time at immigration counters.
The UAE delegation reviewed existing procedures at Pakistani airports and discussed mechanisms for data-sharing and operational coordination between the two sides.
Focus on smoother passenger movement
While detailed operational guidelines are yet to be released, officials indicated that the system is aimed at streamlining passenger movement, particularly for travellers heading to the UAE for work and long-term residence.
Pakistan is one of the largest source countries for expatriates in the UAE, with millions of Pakistani nationals employed across sectors such as construction, transport, retail, and services.
Authorities said the initiative is part of efforts to modernize immigration processes and manage passenger volumes more efficiently, especially during peak travel periods.
Visa rules to remain unchanged
Officials clarified that the proposed pre-immigration clearance system does not alter existing UAE visa requirements.
Travelers will still be required to hold valid visas issued through approved channels. The new arrangement relates only to the location and timing of immigration checks, not eligibility for entry.
Implementation timeline yet to be announced
No specific launch date has been announced so far.
Officials said the agreement will need to be formally signed before technical preparations begin, including system integration, staff training, and pilot testing at selected airports in Pakistan.
Further details are expected to be shared once operational planning is completed.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation
The move comes amid growing cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan across security, trade, and mobility, with both sides emphasising the importance of facilitating lawful travel while maintaining robust border controls.
Once implemented, the pre-immigration clearance system is expected to mark a significant shift in how Pakistani nationals enter the UAE.
