UAE is rejecting visas for Pakistanis amid concerns over criminal activities

The UAE has stopped issuing most visas to Pakistani citizens amid concerns over criminal activity. The suspension affects tourist, visit, and work visas, though current visa holders remain unaffected. Officials warn that a full ban could follow if the situation does not improve.

On Thursday, Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry said that the UAE had not been issuing visas to Pakistanis.

He made this revelation during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, further stating that both the UAE and Saudi Arabia had imposed restrictions on visas for Pakistanis. “If a ban is imposed, getting it removed would be difficult,” he warned.

Despite strong diplomatic ties and a large number of Pakistani population working and living there, the UAE has stopped issuing visas. As per reports, the UAE was only issuing visas to blue and diplomatic passport holders.

Samina Mumtaz Zehri, who heads the Senate Committee on Human Rights, confirmed that the UAE’s decision stemmed from concerns about individuals travelling there and “getting involved in criminal activities.” She added that “after much difficulty,” a few visas had been issued.

In early July, Pakistani citizens also faced visa rejections, leading Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to address the matter with his UAE counterparts.

The following month, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, called the UAE’s refusal of visas to Pakistani nationals a “serious and significant” concern.

Speaking to Arab News, he explained that Emirati authorities were scrutinising the authenticity of documents, including educational certificates, and reviewing cases involving applicants with criminal records.

He noted, “Even if a document is genuine, any discrepancy in its attestation, whether in Pakistan or the UAE, can lead to major rejections.” Tirmizi also highlighted that AI-based verification systems are now being employed in the process.