In recent days, there have been circulating reports suggesting that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a visa ban on residents from several Pakistani cities. These reports have raised concerns among prospective travelers and the Pakistani community residing in the UAE. However, it’s essential to clarify the situation and separate fact from rumor.
According to various unverified sources, the UAE government has allegedly halted the issuance of visit visas to residents of cities such as Kohat, Abbottabad, Muzaffarabad, Skardu, Larkana, DG Khan, and possibly others. The reasons cited for this purported visa ban vary, with some suggesting that it’s in response to residents being involved in illegal activities or overstaying their visas.
To shed light on the matter, we reached out to both local travel agents and Pakistani officials in the UAE. While some local travel agents confirmed experiencing visa rejections, an official statement from the UAE Consulate Karachi last year refuted such reports.
Additionally, a Pakistani official in the UAE has dismissed the recent visa ban reports as baseless. According to this official, there are no known obstacles preventing Pakistani nationals from acquiring visit visas to the UAE. Moreover, the official emphasized that if applicants submit the required documents in proper order, they can typically expect to receive their visas within 10 to 15 days.
One international travel agent provided insights into the situation by explaining that they have faced rejections from the UAE immigration department for Pakistani nationals residing in Pakistan. As a result, they have adjusted their records to indicate a different country of residence.
While reports of a UAE visa ban on specific Pakistani cities have circulated, it’s crucial to rely on official statements and verified information. As of now, the UAE government has not officially announced a visa ban on these cities. Pakistani nationals interested in visiting the UAE should ensure that their visa applications are complete and accurate, as this appears to be the key factor in obtaining a UAE visit visa. It’s advisable to consult with official sources and immigration authorities for the latest updates and guidance on visa applications to the UAE.