The UAE has reportedly restricted visas for Pakistani citizens, citing concerns over the misuse of visit visas, an Interior Ministry official told Pakistan’s Senate committee. Salman Chaudhry clarified that currently only blue and diplomatic passport holders are being granted visas.
Chaudhry warned that a full ban, if imposed, could be difficult to reverse. He added that only a few visas had been issued in recent weeks, and even those were processed with “much difficulty.”
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, who chairs the Human Rights Committee, confirmed the official’s remarks, noting the restrictions were linked to concerns over criminal activities involving some Pakistani nationals in the UAE.
Despite these reports, a senior diplomat at the UAE embassy dismissed social media claims of a formal ban, stating there is “no ban on visas for Pakistani citizens.” The diplomat emphasized that visas are still being issued under certain categories, and the country remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel.
Separately, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Salem M. Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, discussed “major UAE visa facilitation reforms” with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad. These reforms include online visa processing, e-visas without passport stamping, and faster system-to-system coordination with Pakistani authorities.
According to reports, the newly launched UAE Visa Centre in Pakistan is processing nearly 500 applications daily. The ambassador highlighted that these reforms aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
The Senate committee also discussed past concerns over visa rejections. Earlier this year, Islamabad had raised issues after reports of increased visa refusals. The UAE assured Pakistan that work visas are still being processed and that they are committed to expediting applications for legitimate travelers.
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Authorities in Pakistan emphasized the importance of following visa rules to prevent misuse and maintain strong diplomatic relations with the UAE. The ongoing dialogue between the two countries aims to balance security concerns with the need for smoother travel and economic cooperation.
