No UAE Visa Ban for Pakistanis

No Visa Ban for Pakistani Nationals in UAE – Background and Developments

In recent weeks, despite widespread rumors, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially confirmed that no visa ban has been imposed on Pakistani nationals. Although some sources claim that visa issuance has been temporarily restricted, particularly for non-diplomatic or non-official passport holders, a high-ranking official at the UAE's Pakistani embassy has clearly refuted reports of a visa stop.

What caused the misunderstanding?

Rumors about visa restrictions began circulating when a senior official from the Pakistani Ministry of Interior claimed during a Senate committee hearing that the UAE only issues visas to holders of diplomatic and blue passports. Subsequently, several Pakistani media outlets – including the long-established Dawn – reported that the UAE had temporarily suspended visa issuance for Pakistani nationals.

An official at the UAE's Pakistani embassy, however, confirmed that no such blanket ban exists. According to the official position, visa applications are still being processed in the usual manner, with no nationwide restrictions applied.

Pakistani Community in the UAE: Strategic Importance

The Pakistani diaspora is one of the largest foreign communities in the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 1.7 million Pakistani nationals live and work in various regions of the country, primarily in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. This number holds not only economic significance – through remittances from guest workers – but also represents an important social, cultural, and diplomatic link between the two countries.

In the 2023–24 fiscal year, more than 230,000 Pakistani nationals arrived in the UAE for employment or business purposes. This indicates that opportunities in the emirates remain attractive for the Pakistani population.

New Visa Center and Processing of 500 Applications Daily

As a further positive development, the UAE recently opened a new visa center in Pakistan that can process up to 500 visa applications daily. The center aims to expedite processing and ease the burden on applicants.

As part of modernization efforts, an e-visa system has been introduced, allowing travel without passport stamping and electronic processing. The enhancement of the system leads to direct, system-based connections between the UAE and Pakistan, enabling faster data exchange and processing.

Visa Exemption for Diplomatic Passports

Effective July 25, 2025, a visa exemption for diplomatic and official Pakistani passports came into effect. This step reinforces mutual trust and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The provision allows state officials traveling for official purposes to enter the country more quickly and easily, facilitating deeper diplomatic, economic, and governmental relations.

Economic Cooperation: Focus on Investments

In addition to the visa situation, economic relations between the two countries have also been strengthened. The newly appointed Pakistani ambassador to the UAE recently met with Pakistan's finance minister. Key topics during the discussions included direct investments, intergovernmental financing, and technological collaborations.

Pakistan expressed its gratitude to the UAE for financial and trade support over the years, particularly in terms of remittances and state loans. Negotiators agreed to strive for close cooperation in trade, finance, defense, and education in the future.

Deported Nationals: New Restrictions in Pakistan

While the UAE strives to facilitate the entry of Pakistani nationals, Pakistan reports increasing restrictions in the opposite direction. At a Ministry of Interior meeting in May 2025, it was announced that the passports of individuals deported by countries such as the UAE, GCC countries, or European states would be invalidated upon their return.

Under the decision, these individuals will have police records (FIRs) filed against them, and their names will be added to the central passport control list for at least five years. This measure severely limits their future opportunities for overseas employment or study trips.

Conclusion

Rumors about a visa ban spread quickly, but official statements and practical developments – such as the new visa center, online processing, and diplomatic passport exemption – all indicate that the UAE remains open to Pakistani nationals. However, Pakistani authorities have introduced stricter regulations against those deported, indicating that bilateral migration relations involve not only opportunities but also responsibilities.

The relationships between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan form a complex system, where visas are just one aspect. Mutual economic interests, the presence of a multi-million Pakistani community, and ensuring regional stability all indicate that future cooperation will remain strategically significant.

(Based on a statement from the Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.)