UAE 'confirms' no official visa ban on Pakistanis
Several incidents, involving fraudulent activities, led to increased restrictions on Pakistani applicants, says MoFA
March 13, 2025
- Applicants submit fake degrees, fraudulent employment contracts for visa.
- Authorities raise concerns over Pakistanis' inappropriate social media use.
- Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi addresses issues with UAE authorities.
ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed there is no official visa ban on Pakistani nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) notified the National Assembly via a letter on Wednesday.
Addressing a query from Dr Nafisa Shah, the ministry conveyed that the UAE Embassy said that their Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced a new five-year visa policy.
This policy requires applicants to provide round-trip tickets, hotel bookings, proof of property ownership (if applicable), and a down payment of AED3,000.
The ministry highlighted that several factors have led to increased scrutiny and restrictions on Pakistani applicants. These include incidents of individuals submitting fake degrees, diplomas, and fraudulent employment contracts.
Additionally, some Pakistani nationals have overstayed their visas and have been implicated in political and criminal activities.
Concerns have also been raised regarding inappropriate use of social media by some members of the community.
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has addressed these issues with the UAE authorities at both ministerial and under-secretary levels.
Senior Officers in the Middle East Division of the ministry have been raising the issue with the UAE Embassy in Islamabad.
Recommendation letters for the issuance of UAE visas are timely shared by the ministry with the UAE Embassy in Islamabad for smooth visa facilitation. The UAE authorities have said there is no official visa ban on Pakistani nationals.
