The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), which claims to be the only agency with the authority to issue certificates attesting to polio immunization, does not have any authority over issues pertaining to immigration.
It emphasized that, rather than NADRA, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made it mandatory for airlines to check the polio vaccination cards of passengers traveling overseas, debunking recent media accusations that NADRA was putting additional limitations on international travelers.
The relevant notification released by the CAA in this regard was shared by the authority on Twitter.
Announcement ????
???? @NadraPak only issues Polio Vaccination certificates.
We have no jurisdiction on immigration related matters.
Clarification: NADRA has not instructed Airlines to check on passengers travelling abroad for Polio Vaccination Certificates.
However, Civil… pic.twitter.com/WO1aVXQceg
— NADRA (@NadraPak) August 1, 2023
The warning instructed airlines to notify customers of the need to receive polio immunization drops at least four weeks prior to travel and recommended travelers to do so when receiving their tickets.
The polio desk at “the airport” cannot accommodate all people for such last-minute requests, it was recommended, and passengers should instead receive their certificates from their local district health office.
The CAA clarified in a notification sent on Wednesday that it had not required travelers to obtain a polio vaccination card. To avoid falling for any “unauthorized online offer” to obtain a polio vaccination card, the public was urged.
“Passengers should especially ignore those online elements who pretend to be representatives of various airlines. The [CAA] letter [shared on social media] was an internal correspondence of Islamabad Airport which has been cancelled
“It is made clear that this letter is not in any way a travel advisory related to polio. Passengers are requested to ask the airlines of the country they intend to travel to regarding the health policy of that country, especially the polio vaccination policy,” it added.
To read our blog on “NADRA imposes new travel restrictions for nationals in 2023,” click here.