KARACHI: The Airlines Operators Committee (AOC) has urged the authorities to defer the mandatory digital vaccination card requirement for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims until October 1, citing limited time to prepare for the new system.
The government has made digital vaccination cards mandatory for people travelling abroad, with the requirement also applicable to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
In a letter to the Health Officer at Karachi Airport, the AOC acknowledged the government’s instructions regarding the digital vaccination card and called for extending the deadline for discontinuing manual vaccination cards.
The committee said travel agents would inform passengers about the new digital vaccination card requirement. However, it pointed out that only a short time remained before the new system was scheduled to take effect from September 16.
The AOC warned that the implementation could lead to long queues at airports, as not all international travellers arrive at airports well in advance of their flights.
It also called for the establishment of multiple vaccination centres across Karachi to facilitate travellers. The committee suggested setting up the centres at or near National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices.
The AOC said postponing the implementation until October 1 would provide authorities and travellers with additional time to prepare for the new system and help ensure a smoother transition.
