Residency Permit Ban in UAE for Pakistani Citizens 2025. Many Pakistani citizens have been concerned about reports of a “ban” on visas or residency permits in the UAE. These concerns come from reports of visa delays, rejections and alleged restrictions for Pakistani nationals. However, an important clarification: the UAE has stated there is no official ban solely targeting Pakistani nationals.
Still, there are additional requirements and scrutiny, which means Pakistani applicants may face more checks than before. This article will unpack the facts, separate rumours from reality, and explain what Pakistani citizens should do if they are aiming for UAE residency or work.
What is a Residency Permit in the UAE?
In the UAE, a residence visa / permit allows foreign nationals to live, work or conduct business in the country. The official government portal lists types of residence visas: working, family, retirement, business, etc.
For Pakistani applicants (and other nationalities) the path typically includes: a work contract & sponsor (for employment), health and background checks, and the residence visa being converted into an Emirates ID etc.
Is There a Ban on Pakistani Citizens Getting Residency Permits?
No official “ban” exists, but there are heightened checks and more documentation required for Pakistani nationals.
- The UAE embassy and Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have clarified that there is no formal ban on Pakistani nationals applying for visas or residency.
- Reports and investigations show that delays and rejections are mostly due to stricter vetting: issues include missing documents, police verification, fake certificates and criminal records.
- For example: In April 2025 Pakistani nationals were confirmed eligible for a 5-year multiple-entry visa by UAE authorities.
Therefore, while no official ban on residence permits exists, some Pakistani applicants do face hurdles, largely due to stricter eligibility and documentation requirements.
Why Are Pakistani Applicants Being Scrutinised More?
Here are some of the main reasons:
- Increased vetting: UAE authorities require police clearance certificates or criminal record checks for Pakistani work-visa applicants.
- Document authenticity concerns: Cases of fake degrees, invalid employment contracts or overstays by certain nationals have triggered stricter review.
- Past visa abuse: Reports suggest that some visa categories (e.g., visit visas) were misused for work or overstays, prompting UAE to tighten rules.
- General immigration policy update: The UAE has introduced new visa/residency programmes (e.g., 5-year tourist visa, stricter checks) for all nationalities, not only Pakistanis.
How Pakistani Citizens Can Apply for UAE Residency Permit
Here is a simplified step-by-step process for Pakistani nationals seeking UAE residency through work or sponsorship:
| Step | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Secure a job offer / Sponsor | For a work-residence visa you need a UAE employer or licensed sponsor. |
| 2. Prepare documents | Passport valid for at least 6 months, sponsored contract, attested educational certificates, police clearances if required. |
| 3. Background & police verification | Obtain a no-criminal-record certificate from Pakistan if required. |
| 4. Sponsor applies for visa/residence permit | Employer applies with UAE immigration; you may be issued an entry visa and then convert to a residence permit and Emirates ID. |
| 5. Medical tests & Emirates ID | Undergo approved medical tests (e.g., chest X-ray, blood tests) and biometric registration in UAE. |
| 6. Immigration approval & residence permit issued | After all checks and documents are in order, a residence permit is issued. |
| 7. Renewal / long-term residence | Many residence visas require renewal; UAE also offers longer-term residency options for eligible categories. |
Key Things Pakistani Applicants Should Know
- No nationality-based ban: The UAE has made clear that Pakistani nationals are not barred from applying for visas or residence.
- Expect extra checks: Pakistani applicants may face more rigorous documentation and background checks than before.
- Be honest & complete: Fake or incomplete documents can lead to rejection and may affect future visa applications.
- Work/residence vs tourist: The restrictions or delays often relate to work/residence visas rather than tourist or visit visas.
- Follow official channels: Use the UAE embassy in Islamabad or licensed agencies; avoid suspicious offers or “fast-track” promises.
- Keep records: Retain attested certificates, police verifications, employment contracts and sponsor details.
- Stay updated: Visa policy can change; check official UAE immigration portals or Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for advisories.
Recent Updates & Developments for Pakistanis
- In May 2025 the UAE opened its new 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa to Pakistani nationals.
- In July 2025 an agreement was reached between Pakistan and UAE to ease visa processes for Pakistani citizens, especially work visas.
- Clear statement from UAE and Pakistan that delays do not amount to a “ban” but reflect heightened screening.
What to Do If Your Residency Permit Application Is Delayed or Rejected?
If you find your UAE residency permit or work visa application is delayed or rejected, here are constructive steps:
- Contact your employer/sponsor in the UAE to check the status and if additional documents are required.
- Ensure you have police clearances, attested certificates and no criminal record issues flagged.
- If you applied through an agent, ask for full transparency of the process and whether documents were submitted correctly.
- Approach Pakistan’s embassy or consulate in the UAE or the UAE embassy in Pakistan for guidance.
- Keep records of correspondence, application tracking numbers, and visa application receipts.
- Avoid overstaying your current visa or entering the UAE on a non-suitable visa category (e.g., visit visa when you should have work visa). Such mis-use may impact future approvals.
Conclusion
While there is no official “residency permit ban” in the UAE for Pakistani citizens, the visa and residence process has become more stringent. Pakistani applicants must meet tougher documentation and background checks. With proper preparation, honest paperwork, and a legitimate sponsor, Pakistani nationals can still apply and obtain UAE residence permits or work visas.
Being aware of the recent changes, following official procedures, and avoiding shortcuts will greatly increase your chances of success.
FAQs About UAE Residency Permit
Q1. Is Pakistan on a blacklist for UAE residence permits?
No, there is no formal blacklist or ban on Pakistanis obtaining residence permits in the UAE.
Q2. What extra documents might Pakistani applicants need?
They may need a police verification certificate, attested education and employment documents, sponsor details and possibly proof of travel/tickets depending on visa type.
Q3. Can Pakistanis get the new 5-year visa in UAE?
Yes, Pakistani nationals were included in the UAE’s 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa programme as of 2025.
Q4. Does this affect all visas or only work/residence visas?
The increased scrutiny and delays mostly affect work/residence visas and longer stays. Short-term visit or tourist visas are less impacted.
Q5. What happens if I overstay in the UAE?
Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation and future visa issues. It may also affect you if you apply for a residence permit later.
