The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dismissed rumors of a visa ban on Pakistani nationals, confirming that no official restrictions are in place, according to statements from both UAE and Pakistani officials. The clarification, issued on Wednesday, aims to quell speculation that has swirled across social media and news outlets, reassuring the large Pakistani diaspora and prospective travelers.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan, alongside the UAE Consulate General in Karachi, addressed the issue after reports suggested a blanket visa prohibition targeting Pakistanis from specific regions or backgrounds. “We can confirm that no such ban exists,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during a press briefing, echoing sentiments from UAE Consul General Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Rumaithi, who labeled the claims “fake news.” The statements come amid ongoing discussions between the two nations to streamline visa processes, with the UAE emphasizing that Pakistan remains a key partner in business and investment.
The rumors, which gained traction in recent months, hinted at tightened visa policies, possibly linked to security concerns, overstays, or illegal work activities by some Pakistani nationals. However, both governments have refuted these as baseless, pointing out that visa approvals remain a sovereign decision subject to standard scrutiny. “There’s no blanket restriction,” a Pakistani official in the Gulf told local media, noting that while unskilled labor visas face stricter checks due to market demand shifts, skilled workers and visitors continue to be welcomed.
The clarification is a relief for the estimated 1.6 million Pakistanis living in the UAE—the second-largest expatriate community there—who contribute over $450 million monthly in remittances to Pakistan’s economy. Recent posts on X reflected public frustration over perceived delays or rejections, with some users citing anecdotal visa denials. Yet, authorities maintain these are individual cases, not indicative of a broader policy shift. “The UAE values its ties with Pakistan,” Dr. Rumaithi said, urging travelers to rely on official channels for updates rather than unverified reports.
The statement aligns with earlier rebuttals, such as in December 2022, when similar rumors were debunked. This time, the UAE also highlighted its new five-year visa policy, introduced in 2024, which imposes stricter requirements—such as verified funds and documentation—to curb overstays and misuse of visit visas. Pakistani applicants, like others, must meet these updated standards, but no nationality-specific ban is in effect.
For Pakistanis planning trips or work stints in the UAE, the message is clear: applications remain open through certified agents, airlines like Emirates and Etihad, or UAE free zone portals, despite occasional processing hurdles. As bilateral talks continue, both nations are focused on enhancing cooperation, ensuring that the historic bond between Pakistan and the UAE remains unshaken by misinformation.
