UAE denies imposing a formal visa ban on Pakistanis, says foreign minister

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied placing a formal visa ban on Pakistani citizens, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the National Assembly on Wednesday.

In a written reply during the Question Hour, Dar stated that UAE authorities informed Pakistan’s government that no such restriction exists. However, he noted that visa applications are subject to increased scrutiny due to concerns over fraudulent documents and overstays.

The foreign minister’s statement comes after reports surfaced alleging that the UAE had imposed a visa ban on Pakistanis due to a rise in begging cases involving its nationals.

Dar said the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security recently introduced a five-year visa requiring specific conditions. Applicants must provide a round-trip ticket, hotel booking, proof of property ownership (if applicable), and make an advance payment of 3,000 Dirhams.

Speaking of the multiple factors that have led to heightened restrictions, he cited instances where Pakistani applicants submitted fake degrees, diplomas, and forged employment contracts.

Additionally, some workers overstayed their visas, and a few engaged in political or criminal activities. He added that certain individuals' misuse of social media platforms also contributed to stricter measures.

Pakistan’s embassy in Abu Dhabi has raised the issue with UAE authorities at the ministerial and undersecretary levels, Dar said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in regular contact with the UAE Embassy in Islamabad, with senior Middle East Division officials addressing concerns over visa processing.

To facilitate smooth visa approvals, the ministry regularly issues recommendation letters to the UAE Embassy in Islamabad, Dar added. He emphasized that Pakistani officials continue to engage with their UAE counterparts to resolve visa-related concerns.