The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has put a freeze on issuing visas for most Pakistani citizens. Only government and diplomatic passport holders are still able to travel easily, while ordinary passport holders face strict restrictions.
Pakistani officials say the move is linked to rising cases of illegal activities by some travellers in the UAE, including begging and overstaying their visas. The freeze was discussed as a full passport ban at one point, highlighting how serious the UAE government is about curbing misuse of visit visas.
A top Pakistani interior ministry official confirmed that only “very few” visas are being issued now, often after lengthy and complicated procedures. Lawmakers noted that repeated cases of unlawful behaviour by Pakistani nationals prompted the UAE to tighten rules.
This follows similar actions by Saudi Arabia, which recently deported thousands of Pakistanis accused of misusing pilgrim visas or begging. While the UAE has introduced digital visa systems to streamline travel for some, these reforms do not currently benefit ordinary Pakistani travellers.
The visa freeze affects thousands of Pakistanis planning to travel to the UAE for work, family, or other reasons. It also raises concerns about the future of migrant employment and remittances, which many Pakistani families rely on.
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