UAE stops issuing visas to Pakistani citizens; Islamabad says full ban on passport was almost implemented
Currently, the UAE is issuing visas only to diplomatic and official passport holders, as Islamabad reveals that even more radical measures were considered
UAE’s tightened visa policy linked to concerns over misuse by some travellers
The United Arab Emirates has temporarily stopped issuing visas to most Pakistani citizens, a senior official from the Interior Ministry of Pakistan informed the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights. He said that at present only diplomatic and “blue” passports are being accepted for processing. This is in stark contrast to previous practice, as ordinary passport holders faced no such obstacles.
According to the committee chairperson Samina Mumtaz Zehri, the UAE expressed concern over reports that some Pakistani visitors were allegedly involved in illegal activities there. This led the authorities to put a restriction on visas while they reviewed the situation. Pakistani officials said that while a complete ban on Pakistani passports was not imposed, such an option had been seriously debated and one which would be hard to reverse once implemented.
The Karachi Consulate of the UAE, however, had a different story to tell. The consulate maintained that no official ban was in place and that visa services were running as usual, blaming the delays on heavy volume. This conflicting communication caused quite considerable confusion for travelers planning to visit the UAE.
The restrictions reportedly apply mainly to non-work visas, with employment-related permits largely exempt. The development has triggered anxiety among families, students, and frequent travellers who depend on the UAE for work and financial stability; many fear long-term implications if the restrictions continue or expand in the future.
