ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that there is no official visa ban on Pakistani nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed the National Assembly via a letter.
Responding to an inquiry from Dr. Nafisa Shah, the ministry relayed that the UAE Embassy stated their Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced a new five-year visa policy.
Under this policy, applicants must provide a round-trip ticket, hotel bookings, proof of property ownership (if applicable), and a down payment of AED 3,000.
The ministry noted that several factors have led to increased scrutiny of Pakistani applicants. These include cases of individuals submitting fake degrees, fraudulent diplomas, and forged employment contracts.
Additionally, some Pakistani nationals have overstayed their visas and have been linked to political and criminal activities. Concerns have also been raised regarding inappropriate use of social media by certain members of the Pakistani community.
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been engaging with UAE authorities at both ministerial and under-secretary levels to address these concerns.
Senior officers from the ministry’s Middle East Division have also been in contact with the UAE Embassy in Islamabad.
To ensure smooth visa facilitation, the ministry continues to provide recommendation letters to the UAE Embassy in Islamabad for Pakistani applicants. UAE authorities have reiterated that there is no official visa ban on Pakistani nationals.
