The United Arab Emirates has categorically dismissed speculation that Pakistanis are facing visa restrictions, clarifying that all visa categories remain open as demand reaches its highest level in years.
UAE Consul General in Karachi, Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, said the reports circulating about a UAE visa ban were “completely baseless,” noting that the consulate is processing an unprecedented volume of applications across all categories. According to him, the surge is so significant that some visa appointments are now booked more than a month in advance—the highest demand observed in at least three years.
His clarification followed remarks made in a Senate committee meeting in Islamabad, where Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry suggested that the UAE had stopped issuing visas to Pakistanis except for diplomatic and blue passport holders. He also told lawmakers that Pakistani passports had “narrowly escaped” a broader ban from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Senate Briefing Highlights Passport Security, Trafficking Concerns
During the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights meeting, officials emphasized that Pakistan had digitized the records of up to 200 million citizens to strengthen passport verification and prevent misuse. Authorities maintained that the upgraded system allows immediate authentication of applicants.
The committee was also briefed on challenges faced by Pakistanis detained abroad. Officials noted that most cases involve minor offenses but added that providing legal representation worldwide remains difficult due to varying laws across countries.
A major point of concern was the revelation of active human trafficking networks operating from several Pakistani cities—including Gujarat, Wazirabad, Sheikhupura, and Lahore—as well as traffickers reportedly exploiting routes through Dubai and other areas in the Middle East. Traffickers often charge up to Rs5 million from individuals with false promises of overseas employment.
Consulate Urges Public to Rely on Verified Information
In light of the conflicting claims, the UAE consulate urged applicants and the wider public to rely on official announcements rather than unverified social media narratives. Alremeithi reaffirmed that visa processing continues uninterrupted and that the current surge reflects increased travel, employment, and residency interest—not restrictions.
