<p>The United Arab Emirates has quietly tightened its visa rules for Pakistanis, suggest reports. On Thursday (Nov 27) a senior Interior Ministry official told a Pakistani Senate committee on Thursday that the UAE has stopped issuing most categories of visas to Pakistani passport holders, and at one point came even close to enforcing a near-complete ban.</p><h2><strong>UAE to ban visas for Pakistanis?</strong></h2><p>No. On Thursday, Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry, while briefing the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, said the UAE and Saudi Arabia had "stopped short of imposing a ban on the Pakistani passport" altogether. However, he explained that the step was eventually paused. He warned that if either nation chose to move ahead, reversing such a decision would be immensely difficult.</p><p>He said that for now, only two types of Pakistani passports are still being accepted in the UAE: diplomatic and blue official passports. Ordinary Pakistani travellers hold green passports, which means millions are effectively locked out unless they qualify under government service.</p><h2><strong>But why did UAE limit visas for Pakistanis?</strong></h2><p>Backing Chaudhary, Committee chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri revealed that the tightening was linked to concerns in the Gulf over Pakistanis "getting involved in criminal activities," particularly low-level fraud and visa misuse. She added that in recent months, only a few visas have been issued that too "after much difficulty".</p><p>The UAE hosts one of the largest Pakistani expatriate populations, a workforce that sends home billions in remittances. This visa halt could thus potentially hit families and Pakistan's foreign reserves at the same time.</p><h2><strong>When Pakistanis begging in the UAE led to Visa ban</strong></h2><p>The Pakistan-UAE visa friction is not new. Earlier this year, it was reported that UAE visas had been "unofficially closed" for Pakistanis. This was reportedly done over concerns that Pakistanis were engaging in begging rather than seeking legitimate jobs.</p><p>In July, after rejections spiked, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raised objections with UAE authorities, and assurances were given that approvals would speed up. In April, the ambassador even announced that Pakistanis would soon qualify for a five-year visa. Those assurances now seem to have faded. Work visas reportedly remain open for the moment, but uncertainty hangs over visit visas for ordinary Pakistanis.&nbsp;</p>

The UAE has sharply limited visas for Pakistani passport holders, and for now, only those with diplomatic or blue official passports are getting approval. Millions who hold green passports appear to be shut out. Here's why.

The United Arab Emirates has quietly tightened its visa rules for Pakistanis, suggest reports. On Thursday (Nov 27) a senior Interior Ministry official told a Pakistani Senate committee on Thursday that the UAE has stopped issuing most categories of visas to Pakistani passport holders, and at one point came even close to enforcing a near-complete ban. UAE to ban visas for Pakistanis? No. On Thursday, Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry, while briefing the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, said the UAE and Saudi Arabia had "stopped short of imposing a ban on the Pakistani passport" altogether. However, he explained that the step was eventually paused. He warned that if either nation chose to move ahead, reversing such a decision would be immensely difficult. He said that for now, only two types of Pakistani passports are still being accepted in the UAE: diplomatic and blue official passports. Ordinary Pakistani travellers hold green passports, which means millions are effectively locked out unless they qualify under government service. But why did UAE limit visas for Pakistanis? Backing Chaudhary, Committee chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri revealed that the tightening was linked to concerns in the Gulf over Pakistanis "getting involved in criminal activities," particularly low-level fraud and visa misuse. She added that in recent months, only a few visas have been issued that too "after much difficulty". The UAE hosts one of the largest Pakistani expatriate populations, a workforce that sends home billions in remittances. This visa halt could thus potentially hit families and Pakistan's foreign reserves at the same time. When Pakistanis begging in the UAE led to Visa ban The Pakistan-UAE visa friction is not new. Earlier this year, it was reported that UAE visas had been "unofficially closed" for Pakistanis. This was reportedly done over concerns that Pakistanis were engaging in begging rather than seeking legitimate jobs. In July, after rejections spiked, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raised objections with UAE authorities, and assurances were given that approvals would speed up. In April, the ambassador even announced that Pakistanis would soon qualify for a five-year visa. Those assurances now seem to have faded. Work visas reportedly remain open for the moment, but uncertainty hangs over visit visas for ordinary Pakistanis.

<p>The UAE has sharply limited visas for Pakistani passport holders, and for now, only those with diplomatic or blue official passports are getting approval. Millions who hold green passports appear to be shut out. Here's why.</p>

UAE 'stops short' of banning Pakistanis but tightens visa rules for them. What pushed Dubai this far?

<p>The United Arab Emirates has rolled out a major overhaul of its visa and residency system, adding four new visit visa categories and expanding options for vulnerable groups and professionals. Officials say the reforms aim to attract global talent, boost tourism, and improve inclusivity. This is good news for Indian professionals, who recently were left shocked by a steep increase in the US H-1B visa fee as the Trump administration raised it to $10,000.The &nbsp;UAE also happens to be one of the locations favoured by Indians. In 2024, about 7.8 million Indians travelled to the UAE. Here's all you need to know about the UAE's new visas.</p><h2><strong>UAE's new visit visas</strong></h2><h3><strong>AI specialist visa</strong></h3><p>For global tech talent, issued on a single or multiple entry with a sponsor’s letter from a recognised host or sponsoring technology company.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-the-peacemaker-10-takeaways-from-his-gaza-peace-plan-that-has-netanyahu-s-backing-1759195574203"><strong>Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing</strong></a></p><h3><strong>Entertainment visa</strong></h3><p>For short-term recreational visits.</p><h3><strong>Event visa</strong></h3><p>Covers festivals, exhibitions, conferences, cultural or sporting events, with host sponsorship required.</p><h3><strong>Cruise tourism visa</strong></h3><p>Multiple-entry permit for tourists arriving via cruise ships or leisure boats, tied to an approved itinerary and licensed operator.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muslim-nations-back-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-but-will-hamas-accept-the-deal-1759193878046"><strong>Key Muslim nations back Trump’s Gaza peace plan — but will Hamas accept the deal?</strong></a></p><p>UAE has also announced updates in its residency visas.</p><h3><strong>Humanitarian permit</strong></h3><p>One-year residency (renewable) for those displaced by wars, disasters, or unrest.</p><p>Residency for widows and divorcees: Six-month window to apply after loss of spouse.</p><p>Family and friends visa: Residents can now sponsor relatives and friends up to the third degree, depending on income.</p><h2><strong>Work and business reforms</strong></h2><h3><strong>Business exploration visa</strong></h3><p>For entrepreneurs and professionals with proof of solvency or ownership.</p><h3><strong>Truck drivers’ visa</strong></h3><p>Single or multiple entry with licensed freight company sponsorship, financial guarantees, and health insurance.</p><p>Authorities said the changes strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent, tourism, and trade, while balancing economic growth with social inclusivity.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The UAE has launched a major visa and residency overhaul to attract global talent and boost tourism. Here's all you need to know.The UAE has launched a major visa and residency overhaul to attract global talent and boost tourism. Here's all you need to know.

The United Arab Emirates has rolled out a major overhaul of its visa and residency system, adding four new visit visa categories and expanding options for vulnerable groups and professionals. Officials say the reforms aim to attract global talent, boost tourism, and improve inclusivity. This is good news for Indian professionals, who recently were left shocked by a steep increase in the US H-1B visa fee as the Trump administration raised it to $10,000.The UAE also happens to be one of the locations favoured by Indians. In 2024, about 7.8 million Indians travelled to the UAE. Here's all you need to know about the UAE's new visas. UAE's new visit visas AI specialist visa For global tech talent, issued on a single or multiple entry with a sponsor’s letter from a recognised host or sponsoring technology company. Also read | Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing Entertainment visa For short-term recreational visits. Event visa Covers festivals, exhibitions, conferences, cultural or sporting events, with host sponsorship required. Cruise tourism visa Multiple-entry permit for tourists arriving via cruise ships or leisure boats, tied to an approved itinerary and licensed operator. Also read | Key Muslim nations back Trump’s Gaza peace plan — but will Hamas accept the deal? UAE has also announced updates in its residency visas. Humanitarian permit One-year residency (renewable) for those displaced by wars, disasters, or unrest. Residency for widows and divorcees: Six-month window to apply after loss of spouse. Family and friends visa: Residents can now sponsor relatives and friends up to the third degree, depending on income. Work and business reforms Business exploration visa For entrepreneurs and professionals with proof of solvency or ownership. Truck drivers’ visa Single or multiple entry with licensed freight company sponsorship, financial guarantees, and health insurance. Authorities said the changes strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent, tourism, and trade, while balancing economic growth with social inclusivity.

<p>The UAE has launched a major visa and residency overhaul to attract global talent and boost tourism. Here's all you need to know.</p>

UAE unveils new visa categories, expands residency rules for global talent. Good news for Indians amid H-1B row?

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UAE 'stops short' of banning Pakistanis but tightens visa rules for them. What pushed Dubai this far?

UAE unveils new visa categories, expands residency rules for global talent