The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that there is no official visa ban on Pakistani nationals, as stated by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). This clarification came in response to a query from lawmaker Dr. Nafisa Shah, addressing concerns about visa restrictions for Pakistani citizens.
New Visa Policy Introduced
The UAE Embassy in Islamabad explained that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced a new five-year visa policy. This policy includes additional requirements for applicants, such as providing round-trip tickets, hotel bookings, proof of property ownership (if applicable), and a down payment of 3,000 Emirati dirhams (AED).
Increased Scrutiny on Applicants
While there is no formal visa ban, the UAE has increased scrutiny on Pakistani applicants due to several factors. These include cases of fake degrees, fraudulent employment contracts, and visa overstays. Such incidents have led to stricter evaluations of visa applications from Pakistani nationals.
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Concerns Over Criminal Activities
UAE authorities have also raised concerns about the involvement of some Pakistani nationals in political and criminal activities. These incidents have contributed to heightened vigilance during the visa application process, ensuring that only legitimate applicants are granted entry into the UAE.
Misuse of Social Media
Another issue highlighted by UAE officials is the misuse of social media by certain members of the Pakistani community. This has further prompted authorities to adopt a more cautious approach when processing visa applications from Pakistan.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been actively engaging with UAE officials at ministerial and under-secretary levels to address these concerns. Senior officials from MoFA’s Middle East Division have also raised the matter with the UAE Embassy in Islamabad to ensure smoother visa processing for Pakistani nationals.
Recommendation Letters Shared
To facilitate the visa process, MoFA has been sharing recommendation letters with the UAE Embassy in Islamabad. These letters aim to support genuine applicants and streamline the approval process, ensuring that deserving individuals face no unnecessary hurdles.
UAE Reiterates No Official Ban
Emirati authorities have reiterated that there is no official restriction on Pakistani visa applicants. The new requirements are part of a broader effort to enhance security and ensure compliance with immigration laws, rather than a targeted ban on any specific nationality.
Conclusion
The UAE’s clarification regarding visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals highlights the importance of adhering to updated immigration policies. While increased scrutiny is in place due to specific concerns, diplomatic efforts continue to ensure a fair and efficient visa process for all applicants.