In a significant breakthrough for Pakistanis aspiring to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visa-related challenges have been resolved, and Pakistani nationals are now eligible for five-year visas, according to UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi.
The announcement was made during a meeting at Governor House Karachi between Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Ambassador Al Zaabi on Tuesday. UAE Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi also attended the meeting.
Governor Tessori expressed gratitude to the UAE for its investments, especially in Sindh and Karachi, and praised the growing diplomatic and economic relationship between the two nations.
Ambassador Al Zaabi invited the governor to visit the newly established UAE visa center in Karachi. He also lauded the various development projects launched under the Governor’s Initiative and pledged his support for ongoing collaborative efforts.
As part of the visit, the ambassador planted a tree at Governor House as a gesture of goodwill and participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony. He also signed the guest book, describing the visit as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE.
Last month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) clarified to the National Assembly that the UAE had not imposed any official visa ban on Pakistani nationals. In response to a question from Dr. Nafisa Shah, MoFA confirmed that the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security had introduced a new five-year visa scheme.
Under the updated visa policy, applicants must submit round-trip flight tickets, confirmed hotel reservations, proof of property ownership (if applicable), and a refundable security deposit of AED 3,000.
The ministry also noted that the increased scrutiny on visa applications stemmed from several issues, including the submission of fake degrees and fraudulent job offers. Other concerns included visa overstays and involvement in political or criminal activities by some applicants.
