Pakistani nationals are now eligible to apply for five-year visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as announced by UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi during a meeting with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor House in Karachi. The UAE Consul General, Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, also attended the meeting.
Governor Tessori expressed gratitude for the UAE’s investments, particularly in Sindh and Karachi, and commended the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations. Ambassador Al Zaabi extended an invitation to the governor to visit the newly established UAE visa centre in Karachi.
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Praising the initiatives taken under the governor’s leadership, the ambassador offered full support for developmental and collaborative efforts. As part of the visit, Ambassador Al Zaabi planted a tree at the Governor House as part of a plantation drive and participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony.
He also penned a message in the guest book, describing the occasion as a reflection of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE.
In a related development last month, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed the National Assembly that the UAE had clarified there was no official visa ban on Pakistani nationals. Responding to a question from Dr. Nafisa Shah, the ministry shared that the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security had launched a new five-year visa policy.
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Under the new policy, applicants must submit round-trip tickets, hotel reservations, proof of property ownership (if applicable), and a refundable deposit of AED 3,000.
The ministry also acknowledged that increased scrutiny of visa applications stemmed from various concerns, including submission of fake academic documents, forged employment contracts, visa overstays, and involvement in political or criminal activities. Misuse of social media by certain individuals was also highlighted as a factor.
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has raised these issues with UAE authorities at both ministerial and under-secretary levels to address and resolve the concerns.