The Pakistani Federal Cabinet has approved new rules allowing expatriates—including the 1.7 million Pakistanis living in the UAE—to import used vehicles up to three years old under the Transfer of Residence and Gift schemes. The change, confirmed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), takes immediate effect and is expected to simplify repatriation logistics for families returning home after long-term assignments.
Key provisions stipulate that imported cars cannot be sold for 12 months and that the Personal Baggage scheme remains excluded, which means travellers must still rely on freight channels rather than shipping the vehicle as luggage. Mobility consultants say the policy could reduce relocation costs for UAE-based staff who want to take high-value vehicles back to Pakistan, but warn that customs valuations and road-worthiness certifications must still be cleared in Karachi or Port Qasim.
![Overseas Pakistanis in the UAE can now import used cars under relaxed Transfer-of-Residence and Gift schemes]()
The decision responds to diaspora lobbying and aims to boost remittance-linked imports without draining Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. Analysts anticipate a modest uptick in Gulf-to-Pakistan car shipments, but note that restrictions on engine size and environmental standards may limit volumes.
Employers overseeing end-of-assignment moves should update relocation checklists: employees will need a UAE residence visa copy, proof of continuous overseas stay, and a Pakistani CNIC/NICOP to qualify. Shipping timelines of 6-8 weeks and port handling charges should also be factored into exit plans.
Travel agents specialising in vehicle logistics advise booking sailings early, as Ro-Ro vessel capacity between Jebel Ali and Karachi is typically tight before Ramadan and summer peak seasons.
Key provisions stipulate that imported cars cannot be sold for 12 months and that the Personal Baggage scheme remains excluded, which means travellers must still rely on freight channels rather than shipping the vehicle as luggage. Mobility consultants say the policy could reduce relocation costs for UAE-based staff who want to take high-value vehicles back to Pakistan, but warn that customs valuations and road-worthiness certifications must still be cleared in Karachi or Port Qasim.
The decision responds to diaspora lobbying and aims to boost remittance-linked imports without draining Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. Analysts anticipate a modest uptick in Gulf-to-Pakistan car shipments, but note that restrictions on engine size and environmental standards may limit volumes.
Employers overseeing end-of-assignment moves should update relocation checklists: employees will need a UAE residence visa copy, proof of continuous overseas stay, and a Pakistani CNIC/NICOP to qualify. Shipping timelines of 6-8 weeks and port handling charges should also be factored into exit plans.
Travel agents specialising in vehicle logistics advise booking sailings early, as Ro-Ro vessel capacity between Jebel Ali and Karachi is typically tight before Ramadan and summer peak seasons.
Source: Khaleej Times
