A senior official from Pakistan’s interior ministry has informed a Senate committee that the United Arab Emirates has largely stopped issuing visas to Pakistani citizens, except for those holding diplomatic or official passports. The update came during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, where lawmakers were briefed on emerging travel challenges faced by Pakistanis abroad.
According to the official, while the UAE has not announced a formal, written ban, the current situation functions almost like one: ordinary passport holders are consistently facing rejections. Only blue-passport and diplomatic-passport applications are still being processed without major barriers.
What the Interior Ministry Shared
During the session, officials explained that very few visas have been approved for Pakistani travellers in recent months — and even those approvals reportedly require additional steps and prolonged scrutiny. Lawmakers were told that although the UAE has not publicly declared any blacklist or suspension, the practical effect is a near-complete freeze on routine visas.
The committee also discussed concerns raised by Gulf states in the past regarding Pakistani visitors travelling on short-term visas and becoming involved in activities that violated local laws. Officials noted that these incidents may have contributed to the tightening of visa protocols.
Previous Discussions With Gulf States
The briefing highlighted that Pakistan had already been in communication with both the UAE and Saudi Arabia earlier this year due to growing complaints about visa delays and unexplained rejections. At the time, officials from both Gulf countries had assured Pakistan of smoother processing and even discussed options for longer-term visas for skilled workers.
However, the latest Senate update suggests that the situation has shifted again, with restrictions re-emerging despite earlier diplomatic engagements.
Why This Development Matters
The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most significant destinations for employment, business travel and family visits. Any sustained limitation on visas could have several consequences:
- Impact on remittances: Thousands of families depend on incomes sent home by workers based in the UAE.
- Travel disruptions: Many Pakistanis travel for short stays to meet family members or seek work opportunities.
- Shift toward riskier routes: If formal channels tighten, some individuals may turn toward unsafe, irregular options.
- Diplomatic pressure: The development places additional urgency on Islamabad to re-engage with UAE authorities.
Pakistan’s relationship with the UAE is deeply rooted in trade, labour and investment — which makes visa restrictions especially sensitive.
Government’s Next Steps
Senate members called for immediate diplomatic engagement to prevent the situation from escalating into an official ban. Officials warned that once a formal ban is imposed, reversing it through negotiation becomes significantly more challenging.
For now, travellers have been advised to rely on verified channels and avoid agents or unofficial intermediaries. The government is expected to coordinate closely with the foreign office and UAE missions to seek clarity and push for restoration of regular visa processing.
The Senate briefing has brought renewed attention to visa challenges that directly affect millions of Pakistanis with ties to the Gulf. While the UAE has not made any public announcement about a blanket ban, the severe slowdown in approvals signals a policy shift that Islamabad will need to address quickly. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the restrictions ease — or become a long-term hurdle for Pakistani travellers.
