The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) system used to issue digital vaccination certificates to Umrah pilgrims in Karachi is reportedly facing technical problems. The disruption has caused inconvenience for passengers preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia and raised concerns about completing the required travel formalities on time.
The system outage has affected the issuance of digital vaccination certificates. Due to the disruption, authorities have started issuing certificates manually to help passengers meet the necessary requirements before departure.
An official said priority was being given to pilgrims whose flights were scheduled for the same day or the following day. The move aims to ensure that passengers with urgent travel plans can complete the vaccination process and avoid delays at the airport.
Umrah pilgrims travelling from Karachi are required to obtain vaccination certificates for several diseases. These include polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza. The certificates are part of the health requirements for passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
According to Dr Syed Murtaza Shah Bukhari, the focal person for the Federal Airport Health Department’s Border Health Services, passengers departing from Karachi could face travel restrictions from September 14 if they do not possess the required NADRA vaccination certificate.
The Federal Government Civil Dispensary has been designated as the authorised vaccination centre for passengers seeking the required documents. Pilgrims have been advised to obtain their vaccination certificates from an authorised NADRA vaccination centre before arriving at the airport.
The vaccination requirement is initially being enforced for Umrah passengers travelling from Karachi. Similar restrictions are expected to be introduced later at other major airports, including Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore.
The development has placed additional pressure on passengers who are already preparing for international travel. Many pilgrims may have arranged their flights, accommodation and other travel plans in advance. Any delay in obtaining the required certificates could create difficulties during the departure process.
Dr Bukhari said airlines and travel agents had been informed about the vaccination requirements through awareness notices. They would be responsible for informing passengers about the documents needed before travelling.
Airlines have also been directed not to issue boarding cards to passengers who do not possess the required vaccination certificates. This means that pilgrims who fail to complete the vaccination process could face problems during check-in and boarding.
To assist passengers affected by the system disruption, authorities have arranged health counters in the departure area of Karachi Airport. These counters are intended to facilitate vaccination and help eligible passengers obtain the necessary certificates before their flights.
Passengers who do not have vaccination certificates have been advised to reach Karachi Airport at least six hours before departure. The additional time is meant to allow them to complete vaccination formalities and address any problems caused by the digital system outage.
Pilgrims have been urged not to wait until the last moment to obtain their certificates. Completing the process in advance can help reduce stress and prevent possible travel complications.
The disruption has highlighted the importance of reliable digital systems for managing health documentation at airports. Authorities will need to ensure that the certificate issuance process returns to normal as soon as possible to avoid further inconvenience for Umrah pilgrims.
Also read: NADRA Releases Important Advisory for Overseas Pakistanis
