UAE Visa Ban — What Pakistanis Need to Know
Recent headlines are filled with talk about a “UAE visa ban” affecting several countries. What is true, what’s unclear, and how might this affect Pakistanis who travel or work in UAE? Here’s a breakdown.
What the reports say
According to multiple news outlets, the UAE has suspended issuance of some tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries. ProPakistani+1 Some media reports list countries like Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Bangladesh. ProPakistani However, it’s not yet clear whether Pakistan is among those affected.
Some Pakistani sources also mention older reports of the UAE temporarily suspending visit visas to Pakistan and 11 other countries, but those reports are not confirmed by UAE authorities at present. World Trade Scanner+1
What UAE / Pakistan officials say
As of this writing, there is no confirmed public statement from UAE immigration naming Pakistan among the countries banned. The Economic Times+1 The UAE embassy in Islamabad reminds people to always verify visa rules before travelling. Foreign Affairs Ministry
Pakistan and UAE in recent months have also agreed to ease visa formalities for Pakistanis. For example, Pakistani Interior Minister and UAE counterpart met and discussed simplifying visa issuance. Arab News
Implications for Pakistani travellers & workers
- If your visa application is upcoming, it’s wise to confirm via UAE embassy or visa service whether bans apply to your nationality.
- Be cautious with online visa agents or ads that promise “guaranteed visa” — these are sometimes fraudulent.
- For those already in UAE, existing visas are often honored except in extreme government changes.
Why this might happen
Governments often change visa rules in response to shifting security, migration flows, health crises, or diplomatic concerns. UAE may be expanding checks, tightening standards, or revising policy for certain countries. The Economic Times+1
For the latest updates, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE visa page (external link) Foreign Affairs Ministry and check our TrustedPakistan.com/travel section (internal link).
