In a significant development for Pakistan-UAE relations, the United Arab Emirates has reinstated five-year visas for Pakistani nationals, following the resolution of earlier concerns related to security and immigration issues. The announcement was made by UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, during a meeting with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor’s House in Karachi on Tuesday.
“Visa issues have been resolved — Pakistanis can now get a five-year visa,” Ambassador Zaabi was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Governor House.
The ambassador extended an invitation to Governor Tessori to visit the UAE visa centre located at the UAE Consulate in Karachi, emphasizing improved bilateral cooperation and streamlined visa services.
Governor Tessori expressed gratitude to the ambassador for the UAE’s consistent support and investments in Sindh, particularly Karachi. He also praised the UAE’s interest in developmental projects initiated under his leadership.
Background: Scrutiny and Temporary Restrictions
The move comes after months of heightened scrutiny of Pakistani applicants, particularly those entering the UAE on visit visas. Reports in recent months had suggested that Emirati authorities had unofficially tightened visa policies amid rising concerns over crime and misuse of visit visas by Pakistani nationals, including cases of begging and unlawful activities.
On December 23, a Senate panel in Pakistan was informed that all travellers to the UAE were subject to police vetting, with travel agents directed to ensure background checks. This was followed by additional discussions in January, where the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was told that while there were no formal restrictions on work visas, visit visas had been impacted by unofficial concerns.
Social Media Behavior Under the Spotlight
UAE officials had also pointed to inappropriate behavior by certain Pakistani social media influencers as a source of diplomatic strain. In a November interview with Geo News, UAE Consul General in Karachi, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, highlighted the role of negative social media content — particularly on platforms like TikTok — in prompting the UAE to reevaluate visa applications.
Despite the scrutiny, UAE representatives repeatedly clarified that there was no official ban on Pakistani visas.
Looking Forward
With the restoration of five-year visas, the development is expected to benefit thousands of Pakistanis seeking long-term travel for business, family visits, and tourism. It also marks a thaw in recent tensions, reaffirming the strong economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Governor Tessori welcomed the resumption, calling it a “step forward in strengthening Pakistan-UAE friendship and facilitating people-to-people connectivity.”
