On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the National Assembly that there is no official visa ban imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Pakistani nationals. This clarification was given in response to concerns raised by Dr. Nafisa Shah, addressing the speculations surrounding visa restrictions. The ministry confirmed that the UAE Embassy in Islamabad had communicated that visas are still being issued, and there are no formal prohibitions on Pakistani applicants.
UAE Five-Year Visa Policy and Its Requirements
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa that allows travelers to visit the country for extended periods. However, applicants must meet specific conditions to qualify for this visa.
To obtain the UAE five-year visa, Pakistani nationals must provide the following:
- Round-trip tickets confirming their travel plans.
- Hotel booking proof for accommodation arrangements during their stay.
- Proof of property ownership (if applicable) as part of financial stability verification.
- A security deposit of AED 3,000 as per the UAE immigration policy.
This visa is ideal for business professionals, frequent travelers, and families looking to visit their relatives in the UAE multiple times over five years. However, ensuring compliance with all the required documentation is crucial to avoid rejection.
Reasons for Increased Scrutiny on Pakistani Visa Applicants
Although the UAE has not imposed a direct ban, the authorities have tightened their visa approval process for Pakistani applicants due to several concerns. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted multiple factors that have led to stricter scrutiny.
One major issue is the submission of fake educational documents and employment contracts. Some applicants have attempted to obtain UAE visas using forged degrees, diplomas, and fake job offers, which has raised red flags with immigration authorities.
Another reason for stricter visa policies is overstaying violations. Many Pakistani workers have remained in the UAE beyond their permitted visa duration, causing legal and immigration issues. This has led to increased enforcement of visa conditions, making it difficult for individuals with a history of overstaying to secure future visas.
Furthermore, some Pakistani nationals have been involved in political activism and criminal activities while residing in the UAE. Such incidents have prompted the UAE government to closely monitor visa applications and impose background checks to prevent security risks.
Additionally, misuse of social media platforms by certain individuals from the Pakistani community has contributed to the issue. Some users have posted politically sensitive or inappropriate content, violating UAE’s strict cyber laws. This has resulted in stricter digital monitoring and increased scrutiny of visa applicants.
Due to these factors, the UAE immigration system has enhanced its verification process, ensuring that only individuals with legitimate credentials and a clean record are granted entry.
Pakistan Efforts to Resolve Visa Challenges
Recognizing the challenges faced by Pakistani visa applicants, the Pakistani government has been actively working with UAE authorities to streamline the visa process and address concerns. Several initiatives have been taken to improve the situation, ensuring that Pakistani travelers can continue visiting the UAE without difficulty.
To reduce cases of fake documentation, the government is strengthening the verification process for educational degrees and job contracts before submission. This will help ensure that only authentic applications are processed, reducing the risk of rejections.
Efforts are also being made to educate Pakistani job seekers about UAE’s employment laws. By providing guidance on proper job applications, visa types, and residency rules, authorities hope to prevent illegal practices that could affect future visa approvals.
Moreover, the Pakistani government is raising awareness about UAE’s immigration rules to minimize visa overstays. Public information campaigns are being launched to educate travelers on the consequences of violating visa conditions and the importance of following legal procedures.
Additionally, guidelines on social media usage are being promoted to ensure that Pakistanis residing in the UAE comply with the country’s digital regulations. By discouraging political activism or the spread of misinformation online, authorities aim to improve the reputation of Pakistani nationals in the UAE.
These collaborative efforts are expected to ease visa processing for Pakistani travelers and restore confidence in the UAE’s immigration system.
Despite the widespread rumors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that there is no official UAE visa ban on Pakistani nationals. However, due to past incidents, the visa approval process has become more rigorous.
Pakistani travelers must ensure compliance with all visa requirements, including genuine documentation, legal employment contracts, and adherence to UAE laws. By following these guidelines, applicants can improve their chances of successful visa approvals and continue benefiting from travel and work opportunities in the UAE.
