Vaccine confusion leaves Karachi’s international travellers counting the cost

Karachi's primary vaccination centre at Jinnah International Airport became a maze of confusion on Monday as hundreds of travellers scrambled to obtain online registration for Nadra-integrated vaccination certificates. Despite initial reports on September 7 suggesting mandatory vaccination certificates for all international travellers from September 14, the government later extended the deadline until September 25, even for Saudi Arabia and African countries.

Travellers, some sitting, standing, and hurrying around the facility, faced long queues, no electricity, and inadequate seating arrangements in the intense heat. Many were informed that they did not need the certificates for destinations other than Saudi Arabia and Africa, leading to significant financial losses for those who had already paid substantial sums. An elderly woman who paid over Rs4,000 claimed her money would not be refunded, deeming it a waste.

The confusion stemmed from reports on some TV channels and social media presenting the requirement as a blanket mandate, while the government attempted to clarify that the verification fee was non-refundable regardless of whether the traveller ultimately received the vaccination. The verification process involved three stages: Nadra and Pak ID app verification, vaccination at the designated airport facility, and issuance of a vaccination card download.

Despite the extension of the deadline, many travellers expressed dissatisfaction with the government's sudden announcement and poor organization. Some highlighted the need for more staff to manage the long queues and inadequate facilities. The government has also extended the vaccination certificate requirement to more airports in the future.