Vaccine confusion leaves Karachi’s international travellers counting the cost

Karachi's only designated vaccination centre at Jinnah International Airport was inundated on Monday with hundreds of anxious travellers, some of whom spent hours in queues and thousands of rupees on a verification process that many later learned they didn't need. The confusion erupted after the government extended the deadline for mandatory vaccination certificates, initially announced on September 7 and widely reported as making them mandatory for all international travellers from September 14.

Many arrived at the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) verification centres and the Federal Government Civil Dispensary, some sitting, some standing, and others hurrying around in a distressed state due to the scorching weather. The centre had no electricity and minimal seating arrangements. Initially, travellers were told they needed the certificates to visit Saudi Arabia and African countries, but by Monday, the government extended the deadline for the certificates, including for Saudi Arabia, until September 25.

Nadra's International Health Regulation Focal Person, Dr Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, clarified that the requirement would apply to workers and those staying in Saudi Arabia for more than six months. An official at the verification centre said confusion had spread due to misleading reports on some TV channels and social media. Despite the extension, it was too late for travellers who had already paid for the verification process.

One elderly woman had paid over Rs4,000 but was told her money would not be refunded. Another woman complained about long queues and a shortage of staff, questioning why the government hadn't announced the requirement earlier and made proper arrangements.