The United Arab Emirates has stopped issuing new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/remember-abbottabad-india-slams-pakistan-for-presenting-dossier-of-lies-at-un-345189">Pakistan</a>, Iran, Syria and Somalia, according to a document issued by a state-owned business park.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-imran-khan-vows-to-help-stem-afghan-bloodshed-344142">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan's Imran Khan vows to help stem Afghan bloodshed</a>

The document, which was sent to companies operating in the park and was seen by Reuters, cited an immigration circular that came into effect on November 18.

It said applications for new employment and visit visas had been suspended for nationals, who are outside the UAE, of the 13 countries, including Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, until further notice.

The visa ban also applies to citizens of Algeria, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia and Turkey, the document says.

It was not clear if there were any exceptions to the ban. The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

A source briefed on the matter told Reuters the UAE had temporarily stopped issuing new visas to Afghans, Pakistanis and citizens of several other countries over security concerns.

The source did not say what those concerns were but said the visa ban was expected to last for a short period.

Last week, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the UAE had stopped processing new visas for its citizens and those of some other countries.

It said it was seeking information from the UAE on the reason for the suspension but that it thought it was related to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Pakistani ministry and the source said those holding valid visas were not affected by the new restrictions and could enter the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates has stopped issuing new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Syria and Somalia, according to a document issued by a state-owned business park.

The United Arab Emirates has stopped issuing new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Syria and Somalia, according to a document issued by a state-owned business park. Also Read: Pakistan's Imran Khan vows to help stem Afghan bloodshed The document, which was sent to companies operating in the park and was seen by Reuters, cited an immigration circular that came into effect on November 18. It said applications for new employment and visit visas had been suspended for nationals, who are outside the UAE, of the 13 countries, including Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, until further notice. The visa ban also applies to citizens of Algeria, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia and Turkey, the document says. It was not clear if there were any exceptions to the ban. The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters. A source briefed on the matter told Reuters the UAE had temporarily stopped issuing new visas to Afghans, Pakistanis and citizens of several other countries over security concerns. The source did not say what those concerns were but said the visa ban was expected to last for a short period. Last week, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the UAE had stopped processing new visas for its citizens and those of some other countries. It said it was seeking information from the UAE on the reason for the suspension but that it thought it was related to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistani ministry and the source said those holding valid visas were not affected by the new restrictions and could enter the UAE.

UAE halts new visas to citizens of 13 countries including Pakistan over security concern

The US has revised its visa policy for the Pakistani citizens by slashing the visa validity from five years to 1 year, according to a media report.

In an official notification issued by the American embassy here on Tuesday, the US said that an additional fee will also be charged for H (Temporary Work Visa), I (Journalist and Media Visa), L (Intercompany Transfer Visa), and R (Religious Worker Visa) visas, the Express Tribune reported.

"The US has reduced visa validity for Pakistani citizens from five years to 1 year whereas journalists and media persons will not be allowed to stay in the country for over three months without renewing the travel permit," the paper said quoting the notification.

According to the notification, an additional fee of $32 for I Visas and $38 for all other visa categories must be paid at the Embassy, Islamabad or Consulate General Karachi prior to visa issuance with effect from January 21.

The new US policies have been brought at par with the Pakistani embassy in Washington's rules. Pakistan also issues visas for three months to American journalists.

"The decision was taken by the State Department because Pakistan was unable to liberalise its visa regime for certain visa categories, hence the US was required by

American law on January 21 to reduce the visa validity and increase the visa fees to match Pakistan's practices for similar visa categories," the report said.

The US has revised its visa policy for the Pakistani citizens by slashing the visa validity from five years to 1 year, according to a media report. In an official notification issued by the American embassy here on Tuesday, the US said that an additional fee will also be charged for H (Temporary Work Visa), I (Journalist and Media Visa), L (Intercompany Transfer Visa), and R (Religious Worker Visa) visas, the Express Tribune reported.

The US has revised its visa policy for the Pakistani citizens by slashing the visa validity from five years to 1 year, according to a media report. In an official notification issued by the American embassy here on Tuesday, the US said that an additional fee will also be charged for H (Temporary Work Visa), I (Journalist and Media Visa), L (Intercompany Transfer Visa), and R (Religious Worker Visa) visas, the Express Tribune reported. "The US has reduced visa validity for Pakistani citizens from five years to 1 year whereas journalists and media persons will not be allowed to stay in the country for over three months without renewing the travel permit," the paper said quoting the notification. According to the notification, an additional fee of $32 for I Visas and $38 for all other visa categories must be paid at the Embassy, Islamabad or Consulate General Karachi prior to visa issuance with effect from January 21. The new US policies have been brought at par with the Pakistani embassy in Washington's rules. Pakistan also issues visas for three months to American journalists. "The decision was taken by the State Department because Pakistan was unable to liberalise its visa regime for certain visa categories, hence the US was required by American law on January 21 to reduce the visa validity and increase the visa fees to match Pakistan's practices for similar visa categories," the report said.

US visa cut for Pakistan citizens reduced from five years to one year: Report

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UAE halts new visas to citizens of 13 countries including Pakistan over security concern

US visa cut for Pakistan citizens reduced from five years to one year: Report