What are reasons for UAE visa ban on Pakistani nationals?

Islamabad, November 19, 2024— Pakistani citizens seeking job and business opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have faced a major setback after the Gulf nation recently imposed a visa ban.

While UAE authorities initially cited concerns related to social media activities and criminal incidents, newly revealed official documents shed light on additional reasons behind the decision.

According to documents shared by the Emirati government with the Pakistani embassy, the ban was proposed during a cabinet meeting following complaints about the conduct of some Pakistani nationals. The concerns include protests, online criticism of UAE policies, and the misuse of digital platforms, which the UAE government viewed as damaging to its reputation.

The documents also cited allegations of forgery in identity documents, such as tampered passports and identity cards, by some Pakistani individuals. Moreover, involvement in criminal activities—including theft, fraud, drug-related offences, and even begging—was reportedly found to be more common among Pakistani nationals compared to other expatriate communities in the UAE.

The decision was communicated to Pakistan’s ambassador, with Emirati authorities emphasising that it was made after careful deliberation at the highest levels of the UAE government.

In response, the Pakistani embassy in the UAE has forwarded an official report to Islamabad, calling for urgent attention to address the concerns. The visa restrictions have sparked discussions within the Pakistani community in the UAE, where many law-abiding citizens play a significant role in the local economy.

The ban has serious implications for thousands of families and businesses reliant on Pakistanis in the UAE. As a result, calls for constructive dialogue and cooperative measures to resolve the issue are growing.