Pakistani nationals will now be eligible to obtain five-year visas for the United Arab Emirates, the country’s envoy Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi announced on Tuesday.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi at the Governor House in Karachi. The UAE Consul General, Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, was also present.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the UAE envoy for his country’s investments, particularly in Sindh and Karachi, and acknowledged the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, Ambassador Al Zaabi extended an invitation to the governor to visit the UAE visa center located in Karachi.
Commenting on the initiatives launched under the governor’s leadership, the UAE envoy described them as commendable and expressed support for efforts aimed at development and collaboration.
As part of his visit, Ambassador Al Zaabi also participated in a tree-planting ceremony at the Governor House under the ongoing plantation campaign and took part in a flag-hoisting ceremony.
He recorded his sentiments in the guest book, marking the occasion as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Last month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed the National Assembly that the UAE had confirmed that no official visa ban was imposed on Pakistani nationals.
Responding to a query from Dr. Nafisa Shah, the ministry conveyed that the UAE Embassy stated that their Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced a new five-year visa policy.
This new policy requires applicants to provide round-trip tickets, hotel bookings, proof of property ownership (if applicable), and make an upfront payment of AED3,000.
The ministry highlighted that increased scrutiny and restrictions on Pakistani applicants have been due to several factors. These include instances of individuals submitting counterfeit degrees, diplomas, and fraudulent employment contracts.
Furthermore, some Pakistani nationals have overstayed their visas and have been implicated in political and criminal activities.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the inappropriate use of social media by certain members of the community.
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has addressed these issues with the UAE authorities at both the ministerial and under-secretary levels.
