Pakistanis can avail 5-year visas as issues resolved, says UAE envoy

UAE Resumes Issuance of 5-Year Visas for Pakistanis After Resolving Concerns

Pakistanis can now apply for and receive five-year multiple-entry visas to the United Arab Emirates, following the resolution of several issues that had previously affected the process. This announcement was made by the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, during a meeting with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor’s House.

The ambassador confirmed that Pakistani nationals can now apply for five-year visas to the UAE without a local sponsor or guarantor after the difficulties with visas were resolved. The Dubai General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs website states that the five-year visa permits numerous entry and prolonged stays for travel and other non-work-related reasons.

As a sign of the UAE’s willingness to reestablish relations, Al-Zaabi invited Governor Tessori to visit the visa facility in Karachi. Tessori, in response, praised the ambassador’s assistance for ongoing development projects and conveyed gratitude for the UAE’s ongoing investment in Sindh, especially in Karachi.

Concerns about some people abusing visit visas, especially for illicit purposes like begging, have reportedly caused a slowdown in the issue of visas for Pakistani nationals in recent months. Authorities in the UAE were more vigilant as a result, and all Pakistani visitors were now required to undergo police verification. Additionally, travel agents were told to follow strict protocols when Pakistanis were planning trips to the UAE.

In addition, the UAE expressed concern about the behavior of some Pakistani social media influencers, particularly on TikTok and other platforms, which may have led to unfavorable reviews and stricter visa regulations.

Despite these challenges, UAE officials have repeatedly clarified that there is no formal ban on issuing visas to Pakistanis.

In January, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was told that there were no official restrictions on work visas. However, it was acknowledged that some issues, which are now said to be resolved, caused a brief, unofficial halt in visa processing.

A step in the right direction to improve travel and business relations between the two countries is the reopening of the five-year visa eligibility.