Airline Operators Committee Requests Deadline Extension for Digital Vaccination Cards for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

The Airline Operators Committee (AOC) has officially written to government health authorities requesting an extension for the implementation of compulsory NADRA-linked digital vaccination certificates for Hajj and Umrah travelers. The move comes after the Ministry of Health and Border Health Services announced a major transition from traditional manual yellow immunization cards to digital records integrated directly into the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) system.

In a formal letter delivered to the Senior Health Officer at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the AOC expressed concerns over sudden operational bottlenecks and urged authorities to grant travel agencies and passengers more time to transition smoothly.

Understanding the Digital Vaccination Card Requirement

To prevent health certificate fraud and ensure international health compliance, the federal government mandated that all outbound international travelers—especially those traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj—must carry an official NADRA-integrated digital vaccination certificate.

This requirement covers mandatory pre-departure immunizations, including:

• Polio Vaccine

• Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine

• Quadrivalent / Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

• Yellow Fever Vaccine (where applicable)
  
  

Under the initial framework, paper cards issued by local clinics were set to become invalid, requiring travelers to register through NADRA’s Pak-ID portal or authorized e-Sahulat centers to obtain an official QR-coded travel certificate.

Why the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) Raised Alarms

The AOC, representing domestic and international airlines operating in Pakistan, identified several critical operational issues with the sudden enforcement:

1. Airport Congestion and Flight Delays: Most international passengers do not reach the airport 6 hours prior to departure. Forcing passengers to get vaccinated or verify manual cards at the airport health counter right before boarding leads to massive queues, overcrowding at terminals, and delayed flights.

2. Limited Vaccination Counters: Karachi Airport initially had insufficient health desk facilities to handle thousands of daily pilgrims. The AOC recommended setting up public vaccination desks near NADRA centers across major cities rather than bottlenecking the airport.

3. Lack of Awareness Among Travel Agents: Travel agencies require adequate lead time to educate pilgrims, especially elderly travelers from remote areas who may struggle with online portal registration.
   
   

The AOC originally appealed for the enforcement deadline to be moved to October 1. Following these widespread concerns, government health authorities granted a grace period extension to September 25, giving pilgrims much-needed time to obtain their digital proof of vaccination without missing their scheduled flights.

Practical Steps for Umrah and Hajj Pilgrims

To ensure a smooth journey and avoid hassle at the airport, travelers should take the following steps:

• Get Vaccinated Early: Receive required vaccines at least 10 days before your departure date.

• Verify on NADRA: Ensure your vaccination status is recorded in the official NADRA database.

• Download the Certificate: Print out your NADRA-issued digital health certificate with a verifiable QR code prior to reaching the airport.
  
  

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