Pakistan embassy, consulate to remain open on Saturdays for UAE vise amnesty program

The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai and the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi will remain open on Saturdays until the end of October, following the UAE government’s announcement of a visa amnesty scheme for illegal overstayers.

Extended hours for visa amnesty

According to an official statement from the Embassy of Pakistan, “National Identity Card (NIC), passport sections, and attestation services will remain open on Saturdays until the end of October 2024 to accommodate applicants who need to renew, update, or validate their documents."

The embassy also clarified that “Out-Pass sections are available for the issuance of out-pass/emergency travel documents for Pakistani nationals who do not possess passports, to facilitate their travel back to Pakistan.”

Visa amnesty: no fines, safe return

The UAE visa amnesty program allows those who have overstayed their visas in the country to either regularize their status or return to their home country without incurring fines. Running from September 1st to October 30, the program covers all types of expired visas, including tourist and residency. The amnesty also extends to those who were born without residency status. The statement said:

“We urge all eligible Pakistani nationals to take advantage of this opportunity offered by the UAE government.''

The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai had announced in an earlier social media post that services at the NADRA Registration Centre (NRC) would be strictly by prior booking starting September 2.

Emergency contacts for Pakistanis in UAE

The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai is otherwise open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Fridays. The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi is otherwise open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

In case of an emergency, Pakistani nationals can contact the embassy by calling +971 50 1248934 or the Consulate General at +971 56 6472721.

UAE: Top destination for Pakistani migrants

Pakistanis make up the second-largest expat community in the UAE, after Indians. According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) and Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), the UAE was the second-most popular destination for Pakistanis to migrate to in 2023. Over 230,000 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in search of jobs in 2023.