Islamabad: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stopped issuing visas to Pakistani citizens, leaving many stranded and frustrated. From celebrities to businessmen, Pakistanis are facing visa denials, prompting widespread complaints on social media. Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has acknowledged the issue, stating efforts are underway to resolve it.
Ambassador’s Statement:
In a video shared on the Pakistani Embassy’s official X (Twitter) account, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi advised Pakistanis to ensure proper documentation, including return tickets, hotel bookings, and 3,000 dirhams in hand, when applying for visas. He added that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been instructed to identify and block those traveling for purposes other than tourism or work, urging strict compliance with visa rules.
Why the Visa Ban?
The UAE cited multiple reasons for the visa restrictions, including Pakistani nationals allegedly violating visa rules, traveling with fake documents, and engaging in inappropriate behavior on social media. According to Dawn News, these complaints were raised during a meeting between UAE officials and the Pakistani ambassador.
Key Issues Highlighted by UAE Officials:
- Violation of Laws: Pakistani citizens were reportedly involved in protests and political activities within the UAE, violating local regulations.
- Social Media Misconduct: Posts critical of UAE government policies were flagged as a cause of unrest.
- Document Fraud: Numerous cases of fake degree verifications, forged identity cards, and passports among job seekers were reported.
- Criminal Activities: UAE authorities pointed to higher incidences of theft, fraud, begging, prostitution, and drug-related crimes among Pakistani nationals compared to other expatriate groups.
The UAE’s zero-tolerance policy for actions that threaten its security and stability was a decisive factor in the visa ban, which was discussed and approved during a Cabinet meeting.
Efforts are ongoing to address these issues, but the restrictions remain in place for now.
