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UAE Visa Ban Shock: Why Pakistan Faces Travel Restrictions Amid Crime Concerns

The UAE has completely stopped issuing visas to Pakistani citizens due to serious concerns about criminal activities. This restriction currently applies to all except holders of blue and diplomatic passports. Pakistani officials acknowledge that reversing this ban will be extremely difficult once implemented. The move follows similar restrictions by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations targeting specific Pakistani cities.

Key Points: UAE Stops Issuing Visas to Pakistani Nationals Over Crime

  • UAE currently issuing visas only to diplomatic passport holders from Pakistan
  • Restrictions stem from Pakistani travelers involved in criminal activities
  • Gulf countries imposed indefinite visa ban on 30 Pakistani cities
  • UAE made police character certificates mandatory for Pakistani applicants
2 min read

UAE stops issuing visas to Pakistani nationals amid criminal activity concerns

UAE halts visa issuance for Pakistani citizens due to criminal activity concerns, affecting millions of travelers and job seekers to Gulf destinations.

"If a ban is imposed, getting it removed would be difficult - Salman Chaudhry"

Islamabad, Nov 27

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stopped issuing visas to Pakistani citizens, an Interior Ministry official in Islamabad was quoted as saying by local media on Thursday.

Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry disclosed the development during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights.

"If a ban is imposed, getting it removed would be difficult," Pakistan’s leading newspaper 'Dawn' quoted Chaudhary as saying during the meeting.

According to the official, the UAE was currently issuing visas only to holders of blue and diplomatic passports.

Speaking to Dawn, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, chair of the Senate committee on human rights, also confirmed the Interior Ministry official's remarks.

She stated that the restriction stems from concerns that Pakistani travellers were "getting involved in criminal activities" after reaching the UAE.

According to Zehri, the committee was briefed that the UAE had issued no visas to Pakistanis, with only a handful granted recently "after much difficulty".

Pakistani citizens have been facing visa rejections in several Gulf countries, prompting the government to raise the issue with respective counterparts during key meetings.

In December 2024, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries imposed an indefinite ban on granting visas to people from at least 30 different cities of Pakistan, following an alarming rise in the number of cases where Pakistani nationals were caught begging or being involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other criminal offences abroad.

Gulf countries and cities, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, remain the most preferred destinations for millions of Pakistani travellers and job seekers.

Earlier, the UAE had made it mandatory for visa applicants from Pakistan to submit a police character certificate.

A prominent Pakistani YouTuber had also acknowledged the difficulties being faced by travellers from the country after the Gulf countries stopped granting visas to Pakistani nationals.

"Saudi Arabia and Dubai were popular destinations, but have now stopped giving visas. I too had to face a great difficulty when I wanted to go for the IIFA Awards. In fact, Saudi Arabia has given a warning to Pakistan with regard to the increasing number of cases of beggars being caught," podcaster Nadir Ali admitted in an interview with a businessman who owns a large travel company in Karachi, last year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian who frequently travels to Dubai, I understand UAE's security concerns. We've seen similar issues in the past. Hope Pakistan addresses these criminal activities so genuine travelers don't suffer. Safety should be the priority for all countries.
A
Arjun K
Gulf countries have been very welcoming to South Asians for decades. When such restrictions happen, it affects the entire region's reputation. Pakistan needs to seriously work on law and order and prevent criminal elements from exploiting visa systems.
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Sarah B
While I understand the security angle, blanket bans hurt ordinary citizens the most. Many Pakistanis work honestly in Gulf countries and support their families back home. There should be better screening processes rather than complete restrictions.
V
Vikram M
This shows how important it is for countries to maintain good international reputation. One bad apple spoils the whole basket. Hope Pakistan takes corrective measures soon - Gulf employment is crucial for many South Asian economies including ours.
M
Michael C
The police character certificate requirement makes sense. India has similar processes for certain countries. It's better to have proper verification than complete bans that affect genuine travelers and business people.

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