Islamabad – Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has not imposed an official visa ban on Pakistani citizens, addressing concerns raised in the National Assembly. In a written response, he clarified that while there is no formal restriction, stricter scrutiny measures have been implemented due to various issues.
The Foreign Minister explained that UAE officials have assured that there are no official visa bans, but the new, more rigorous visa application process is aimed at addressing specific concerns. This includes the introduction of a five-year visa, which requires applicants to submit a round-trip ticket, hotel booking, proof of property ownership, and an advance payment of 3,000 dirhams.
Minister Dar highlighted that some Pakistani applicants have submitted fake degrees and fraudulent employment contracts, while a few individuals in the UAE have been involved in political and criminal activities. Additionally, misuse of social media platforms by members of the Pakistani community has also contributed to the stricter visa process.
To resolve these issues, the Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi has been actively engaged with UAE officials at both ministerial and under-secretary levels. Foreign Office officials in Islamabad have also raised the matter with the UAE embassy. The Foreign Minister assured that Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to work closely with UAE authorities to address the situation and ensure a smooth visa process for Pakistani citizens.
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