UAE Suspends Most Visas for Pakistani Nationals Amid Security Issues

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The United Arab Emirates has discreetly suspended the issuance of various visa types for Pakistani citizens, a decision that emerged during a meeting of Pakistan’s Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights. Officials cautioned that this might escalate into a full ban if not addressed appropriately.

This suspension spans nearly all new tourist, visit, and work visas. While previously granted visas remain valid, no new applications are being accepted at UAE embassies or authorized visa centers. Currently, only holders of blue and diplomatic passports are receiving entry permits.

This development follows a series of alarming incidents involving Pakistani nationals in the Gulf region. Notable cases in the UAE have included organized begging, street crimes, and drug-related offenses. Earlier this year, a bakery attack in Dubai led to the deaths of two men from India’s Telangana state, allegedly perpetrated by a Pakistani.

Authorities across the Gulf have consistently warned that organized groups are misusing visit visas for illegal activities. Recent data presented to the Senate committee indicated that a significant number of arrests linked to these operations involved Pakistani citizens.

Each year, over 800,000 Pakistanis apply for visas to Middle Eastern nations, primarily in search of better job opportunities. However, increasing scrutiny in the region has intensified pressure on these applicants. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has recently arrested thousands of Pakistani beggars, particularly during pilgrimage seasons, alongside detaining individuals for drug trafficking.

Comments made by Dubai’s former police chief, Dhahi Khalfan, resurfaced amidst the growing concerns; he had previously accused Pakistanis of involvement in drug smuggling and advised employers to refrain from hiring them.

Reports indicate that since late last year, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have mandated police verification for Pakistani travelers. According to briefings provided to the Senate committee, both nations are nearing a formal ban on the Pakistani passport, though such measures have not yet been formally enacted.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of continued cooperation. In a recent assembly in Islamabad, the UAE envoy suggested initiatives to simplify visa processes, including online applications, e-visas without passport stamps, and expedited digital processing. Pakistan’s finance ministry reported that nearly 500 visas are being processed daily at the UAE Visa Centre established in the country.

Nevertheless, the current visa suspension introduces uncertainty for many Pakistanis, exacerbating existing hurdles. A surge in visa rejections over the past year has disrupted travel arrangements, job prospects, and family reunions. While diplomatic channels are being utilized to seek clarification, an official public statement from Islamabad has yet to surface.

Historically, the UAE has occasionally implemented short-term restrictions on other nationalities due to security concerns or overstaying issues. For now, the question remains whether this pause will be temporary or lead to a more extensive ban—an outcome Pakistani officials fear would be challenging to reverse.