UAE, Pakistan embassies deny visa ban claims

Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials have denied media reports alleging that the latter imposed a visa ban on Pakistani nationals due to their social media activities, criminal incidents, and misconduct.

Stories from various Pakistani publications suggested that the ban was imposed after a cabinet meeting reviewed complaints regarding inappropriate conduct by some Pakistani citizens.

Alleged reasons included protests, criticism of UAE policies on social media, misuse of online platforms, forgery of identity documents, and involvement in criminal activities such as theft, fraud, and drug-related offenses.

The reports claimed these issues were documented and shared with the Pakistani embassy in the UAE.

However, both denied the existence of such documents or reports.

Spokesperson for the Pakistani Embassy in the UAE Muhammad Saleh told Nukta that the UAE government has not shared any documents accusing Pakistani nationals of misconduct or implicating them in activities tarnishing the UAE’s image.

Saleh also confirmed that no official letter or notice regarding visa restrictions for Pakistanis had been received by the embassy.

Additionally, the UAE Embassy in Pakistan has questioned the authenticity of these claims. Both embassies assert that the reports circulating in certain media outlets are baseless and lack factual support.

The initial reports gained traction on social media and in some media outlets, alleging that the visa restrictions were motivated by specific complaints about Pakistani nationals. However, according to the Pakistani Embassy spokesperson, these outlets have since retracted the claims following inquiries by the embassy.

"Pakistan enjoys strong and cordial relations with the UAE, and both governments are committed to addressing any issues of mutual concern through official channels and constructive dialogue", the Pakistani embassy further clarified in its rebuttal statement.