UAE Visa Temporary Ban for Pakistani Citizens. Although many reports and social-media posts have claimed that Pakistani nationals face a blanket visa ban for the UAE, the reality is more nuanced. Let’s break down the facts, rumours and current status.
What’s the truth?
- According to official sources, there is no formal blanket ban on Pakistani citizens applying for UAE visas, whether tourist, work or residence.
- Visa applications from Pakistanis may be experiencing delays or higher scrutiny, especially in certain visa categories, due to updated rules and stricter checks by UAE immigration authorities.
- In early 2025, the UAE introduced a five-year multiple‐entry visa option for Pakistani nationals, and senior UAE officials clarified that “visa issues have been resolved” and that Pakistanis can apply.
Why the Confusion?
Several factors contribute to the perception of a “ban”:
- Pakistani applicants have faced rejections or delays owing to issues like forged or incomplete documents, previous visa overstays, or negative records.
- The visa regime for all nationals was updated, introducing additional requirements (such as hotel bookings, return tickets, security clearance) — these changes may have impacted Pakistani applications disproportionately simply because many had incomplete files.
- Media and social posts sometimes mis-interpret large numbers of rejections or stricter checks as a “ban”, even where the policy remains open. For example, Reddit posts note: “It’s not a blanket ban. Although most visas are being rejected. There are Pakistanis who are getting approvals.”
What is the current status?
- Pakistani citizens are eligible to apply for UAE visas, including work and tourist visas, under the current official policy.
- In July 2025 a visa-waiver agreement was signed for diplomatic and official passport holders between Pakistan and the UAE — though this does not apply to ordinary passport holders.
- Pakistan and the UAE have agreed to facilitate visa issuance, especially for work visas, during a high-level bilateral meeting in July 2025.
Practical tips if you are a Pakistani applicant
- Ensure all your documents are complete, attested and genuine. Incomplete or fraudulent documents have been cited as a common cause of rejection.
- Expect potentially longer processing or additional scrutiny. Apply well in advance.
- Confirm with your UAE sponsor or employer that they are compliant and that the visa process is correctly initiated.
- If you were told there is a “ban” for Pakistani nationals, check official UAE embassy/consulate sources. The suspicion is that issues are due to documentation or eligibility, not nationality alone.
Conclusion
There is no confirmed blanket ban on Pakistani nationals for UAE visas. What exists are stricter rules, more vetting, and higher chances of rejection if documents or eligibility criteria are not met. The key message: Pakistanis remain eligible, but must follow the process carefully.
