In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistanis will now be able to obtain five-year multiple-entry tourist visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following the resolution of previous issues, announced Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, on Tuesday.
The announcement was made during a meeting between the ambassador and Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor’s House in Karachi. According to the UAE embassy’s statement, the new visa policy will allow Pakistanis to make multiple trips to the UAE within the five-year validity of the visa, without the need for a local sponsor or guarantor. This is a major relaxation in visa regulations for Pakistani nationals, who had faced increasing scrutiny and challenges in securing travel permits to the UAE in recent years.
The UAE has long been a key destination for Pakistani nationals, with thousands traveling to the Gulf country for employment, business, tourism, and family visits. However, stricter visa regulations had recently put a strain on travel relations between the two countries, particularly as the UAE tightened its visa issuance process in response to various concerns.
Ambassador Al-Zaabi confirmed the positive shift in relations when he remarked, “Visa issues have been resolved, and now Pakistanis can get a five-year visa to the UAE.” He further extended an invitation to Governor Tessori to visit the UAE visa center at the Karachi consulate, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and facilitating travel for Pakistani nationals.
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The long-term visa comes as a welcomed relief to travelers, particularly those looking to explore the UAE for tourism, business, or family reunification purposes. The new policy promises a smoother and more flexible travel experience, as multiple entries are allowed without the traditional need for a local host or sponsor within the UAE.
Stricter Scrutiny of Pakistani Nationals
The announcement, however, follows a period of heightened scrutiny of Pakistani nationals traveling to the UAE. Reports earlier indicated that the UAE had increased its vetting processes, citing concerns about the involvement of some Pakistani nationals in criminal activities, including begging, once they arrived in the UAE.
In December 2023, a Senate committee in Pakistan was informed that all Pakistani travelers to the UAE were required to undergo police vetting and verification. Additionally, travel agents were instructed to ensure that travelers from Pakistan were thoroughly checked before their departure. This move followed complaints from various UAE authorities about the growing presence of beggars and other illegal activities linked to Pakistani visitors.
Despite these concerns, the UAE authorities clarified in early January 2024 that there were no official restrictions on work visas for Pakistanis. While visit visas had become increasingly difficult to obtain, work visas were still being issued without issue. The UAE’s decision to tighten visit visa regulations was also linked to concerns about the conduct of some social media influencers, particularly on platforms like TikTok, whose actions were reportedly damaging the UAE’s image abroad.
Impact of Social Media Activity on Visa Policies
The issue of social media behavior among Pakistani nationals has been particularly sensitive. In November 2023, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, the Consul General of the UAE in Karachi, revealed that a significant number of Pakistani social media influencers had been engaging in behavior deemed inappropriate by UAE authorities. These activities included producing and sharing content that allegedly violated local laws and societal norms.
This led to a backlash from the UAE government, which was concerned about the negative portrayal of the country. The UAE’s tightened visa policies were seen as a direct response to these issues, especially as certain influencers used their social media platforms to promote negative stereotypes or engage in activities considered illegal in the UAE, such as public indecency or provocative behavior.
Dr. Alremeithi emphasized that despite the stricter regulations, there was no official ban on issuing UAE visas to Pakistani nationals. The issues surrounding visas and social media behavior, however, caused delays and increased rejection rates for some travelers, particularly those with a history of controversial content or behavior.
UAE’s Continued Investment in Pakistan
Despite the challenges, the UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic and diplomatic partners. During the meeting between Ambassador Al-Zaabi and Governor Tessori, the UAE diplomat highlighted the ongoing investments in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, which has seen numerous developmental projects funded by the UAE.
Governor Tessori expressed his gratitude for the UAE’s contributions to the region, especially in terms of infrastructure development and investment. He praised the UAE for its continued support and commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in Karachi and beyond.
The UAE has also played a key role in humanitarian efforts in Pakistan, especially following natural disasters. These efforts have helped strengthen the relationship between the two nations, despite the temporary setbacks caused by the visa issues.
The announcement of the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa marks a positive turning point in UAE-Pakistan relations, providing a much-needed respite for Pakistani nationals seeking to visit the UAE for various purposes. While challenges related to visa rejections, crime, and social media behavior remain, the resolution of these issues points to a more cooperative and flexible approach moving forward. As both countries continue to nurture their diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, the future looks promising for travelers, workers, and investors alike.
