Pakistanis Struggle with UAE Visit Visa Rejections Despite Diplomatic Ties

Dubai_ When 28-year-old Nadeem, a marketing professional from Lahore, planned his first leisure trip to Dubai, he never imagined it would become a months-long ordeal. Despite providing full employment and financial documentation, his visa application was rejected twice, first in January, then again in November. A travel agency handling his application explained that applicants under 40 face higher scrutiny.

Diplomatic Concerns

The UAE has not formally banned Pakistani visitors, but visa approvals have become increasingly difficult. Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry told the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights that the restrictions are due to concerns about travellers getting involved in criminal activities.

Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri said only a few visas have been granted lately, and often after “much difficulty.”

Historical Visa Issues

The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was informed in January 2025 that some UAE visit visas had been unofficially closed. Pakistani officials noted concerns about the authenticity of documents, criminal records, and potential misuse of visit visas. AI-based verification systems have also been introduced by the UAE authorities. Despite assurances in April 2025 of five-year visas, travellers continued facing obstacles in July and beyond.

Personal Accounts Highlight Challenges

Journalist Fatima Attarwala recalled multiple visa rejections for a professional assignment: “Every visa application for those under 45 was rejected. Even company directors faced challenges.”

Syed Abbas Raza Naqvi, 25, also experienced repeated rejections despite corporate sponsorship, eventually securing a visa after paying higher fees.

Sports journalist Muzamil Asif lost nearly Rs100,000 after his visa was rejected, despite accreditation for the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Travel Agencies Confirm Trend

• Saher Nazeer, Visa Express Karachi: First-time, single-entry visas face 70–80% rejections, while family-linked visas are more successful.
• Zaheer Zubair, Trips Travel & Tours: Single visas have ~20% approval, family visas ~80%.
• Ubaid Sajjad, AEG-Visa: Financial documentation is key; six-month bank statements with ~Rs3 million improve chances.
• Quratulain, Premio Travel & Tours: Previous overstaying or unclear finances are common rejection reasons.

Social media users echo frustration, noting a lottery-like experience for visa approvals.

UAE Diplomats Respond

A senior diplomat at the UAE embassy clarified that “there is no ban on UAE visas for Pakistani citizens.” Centralized systems and biometric desks have been introduced to prevent tampering and ensure transparency.

UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi confirmed visa facilitation reforms with Pakistan’s Finance Minister, including online applications, e-visas without passport stamping, and faster processing. Nearly 500 visas are now processed daily at the new UAE Visa Centre in Pakistan.

https://x.com/Financegovpk/status/1993963073842073621?s=20

Ongoing Uncertainty

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the experiences of Nadeem and others show the process remains opaque.

 “It feels like you’re playing a lottery with your plans, work commitments, and money.”