Entry for Pakistani passport holders is becoming increasingly difficult, with new rules and restrictions imposed by the UAE government. While various types of restrictions exist, a complete visa ban has not been implemented, according to a top UAE diplomat to Pakistan.
There is not entry ban on Pakistanis
There are rumors on the internet that the UAE has banned Pakistanis from entering the United Arab Emirates. However, these reports are not correct. The fact is that the UAE government has set new entry requirements for Pakistani passport holders and all other nationalities holding a visit visa.
There is no entry ban on Pakistanis but they need to meet the new entry requirements with visit visa to United Arab Emirates. The new requirements are:
Proof of accomodation: Pakistani citizens with visit visas need to provide proof of accommodation, which can be a paid hotel reservation, rental agreement, or an invitation from relatives or friends.
Proof of funds: Pakistani nationals need to hold a minimum of 3,000 AED ($816). They must show this amount in cash, though a credit card is also accepted.
Return ticket: one of most important entry requirements is return ticket, a visit visa holder need to leave the country after his/her short stay.
Pakistani citizens need to present a paid ( confirmed) return ticket to their home country.
Real Workers can receive work visa
The UAE consul in Karachi, Pakistan, clarified that genuine workers can obtain a UAE work visa and work in the UAE. He also mentioned that the UAE currently facilitates business, work, and medical visas for Pakistani nationals, but he did not comment on visit visas.
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However, he did not provide further details about genuine workers. There are increasing reports about the behavior of Pakistani nationals in the UAE and Gulf countries.
Many do not work in their profession in the UAE and obtain work visas at high costs. Additionally, some visit visa holders are working illegally while on their visit visas.
The UAE and Pakistan have historical relations
The Consul Dr Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi rejected news about visa banning on Pakistani nationals added that tow countries have historical relations and they will facilitate business visa with additional improvements for Pakistani businessman.
He explained that all Pakistani nationals can apply for work, medical, and business visas, and that all necessary facilities will be available for them. However, he did not make any statements regarding visit visas.
UAE is one of biggest destination for Pakistanis, currently there are approximately 1,7 million Pakistanis working and living in United Arab Emirates according to Khaleej Times.
UAE Visa Policy for Pakistan
According to Federal Law No. 6 of 1973, the UAE grants visas and residence permits to foreign nationals. Pakistan ranks second in the number of foreign nationals in the United Arab Emirates, following Indians.
Usually, the UAE issued visas to Pakistanis very quickly, but in recent years, there has been a significant misuse of visit visas by Pakistani nationals. This has led to stricter visa requirements and entry inspections.
Some Pakistani nationals were involved in working with tourist visas, while others were begging in the United Arab Emirates. These activities led to changes in the visa policy for Pakistani nationals.
UAE Visa Restrictions on different Countries
In recent years, nationals from many countries and changes in the regions have led to stricter visa policies by the government of the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE banned nationals from more than 15 African countries from entering the country. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates is currently not issuing visas to Afghan nationals. After the collapse of the republic in Afghanistan, the UAE stopped consular services for Afghan nationals.
