Pakistani Citizens Facing Difficulties in Obtaining UAE Visas

Dr. Rabia Hasan, affiliated with Al-Shifa Hospital in Islamabad, planned to travel to the UAE with her colleagues for a medical conference to present their research.

She explained that the authorities denied her and some other doctors a visa about two and a half months ago because they were not issuing individual visas at that time.

According to her, “Only those who had their partners (husbands or wives) with them were able to attend the conference, while the rest of us had to stay back in Pakistan.”

Dr. Rabia Hasan is not the only Pakistani facing visa difficulties for the UAE. Travel consultants and other individuals hoping to visit the UAE have also reported similar issues.

Increasing Visa Rejections for Pakistanis

Sumbal, who lived in the UAE for nearly 12 years before recently relocating, faced similar issues.

When she tried to obtain a visa to visit her family, all travel agents told her that getting a UAE visa on a Pakistani passport had become increasingly difficult.

“That’s why I didn’t even take the risk of applying for a visa,” she said.

She chose to remain anonymous, fearing that criticism of UAE visa policies might further complicate her chances of obtaining a visa in the future.

Her concern is not baseless, as UAE authorities have previously stated that they review applicants’ social media activity and digital footprint before granting visas.

In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News this year, Dr. Bakheet Atiq Al-Rumaiti, the UAE Consul General in Karachi, confirmed that applicants’ social media accounts are checked.

Pakistani Government Aware of Visa Issues

The Pakistani government is also aware of these visa challenges, and the issue has been raised in parliament.

During a Senate committee meeting on Overseas Pakistanis, Chairman Senator Zeeshan Khattak stated that travel agents claimed to fulfill all visa requirements, yet visas were still being denied.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis clarified that there was no “complete ban” on visas and that skilled workers were not facing difficulties.

However, he acknowledged that demand for unskilled Pakistani workers in the UAE had declined.

He also noted that approximately 700,000 Pakistanis had traveled to the UAE this year.

Travel agents, however, have observed an increase in visa rejections for Pakistanis in recent months.

Natasha, a visa consultant in Islamabad, the UAE embassy had been rejecting Pakistani visa applications for a long time.

“There are multiple reasons for this, one being that many Pakistanis do not return home even after their visas expire,” she explained.

She cited a survey indicating that individuals under 30 often overstay their visas, leading UAE authorities to impose stricter rules on issuing visas to younger applicants.

However, according to Natasha, individuals with spouses or children in the UAE still receive visas more easily.

New Visa Requirements

Official statistics show that over 1.8 million Pakistanis reside in the UAE.

Remittances play a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistanis in the UAE sent home $5.53 billion last fiscal year.

Due to repeated concerns raised by Pakistani officials, the UAE has introduced new visa conditions. Travel agents suggest that fulfilling these conditions can expedite visa approval.

Natasha explained, “New visa applications now require additional documents, including a guarantor who will ensure that the applicant returns before the visa expires.”

“Applicants must also submit an affidavit and a police-issued character certificate.”

Why Are Pakistanis Facing Visa Difficulties?

Pakistani and UAE officials have cited multiple reasons for visa challenges.

“Everything you share on social media is recorded, whether good or bad. You are creating restrictions for yourselves. We observe whether a person is causing trouble or creating issues. If they are, then why should we bring them here?” he stated.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Tirmizi, also confirmed that Pakistanis are facing visa difficulties.

Regarding Pakistanis working in the UAE, he noted, “We often hear that Pakistanis make big promises but fail to fulfill them.”

“We need to educate our people on how to live in a multicultural and multi-religious society. Some issues need to be addressed—if there are problems in your own country, please do not bring them here.”

Guidelines for Pakistanis in the UAE

Pakistani consulates in the UAE have also advised citizens to be mindful of their activities.

The website of the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai includes specific guidelines:

Avoid discussing matters related to the UAE royal family.

Do not insult any religion.

Do not criticize UAE policies while residing in the country. Hate speech and criticism of UAE policies are criminal offenses.

Do not organize or participate in political gatherings, as the UAE is sensitive to such activities and takes strict action against violators.