 are facing unprecedented challenges as the rejection rate has reached 99%.){kind=link}
Pakistani travellers seeking visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are facing unprecedented challenges as the rejection rate has reached an alarming 99%. This steep increase in visa rejections applies across visit, work, and business visas, causing widespread concern and frustration.
Stricter Requirements and Financial Burdens
The UAE government has recently tightened its visa application regulations. Applicants must now provide a bank statement showing at least Rs1 million, along with confirmed air tickets and hotel bookings. Such stringent requirements have not only reduced the chances of visa approval but have also imposed significant financial burdens on applicants.
According to the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), many applicants face monetary losses ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 UAE dirhams if their visas are rejected. This includes non-refundable fees for tickets and bookings, compounding the stress for those seeking to visit or work in the UAE.
Effects on Pakistani Workers and Travellers
The UAE has long been a prime destination for Pakistani workers and travellers. Thousands rely on job opportunities in the UAE in sectors like construction, hospitality, and retail. The recent restrictions threaten the livelihoods of countless workers and disrupt business and personal travel plans.
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Sadiq Sabir, an Executive Board member of TAAP, condemned the situation and called for diplomatic talks with the UAE from Pakistani authorities. “The sudden increase in visa rejections is creating economic and emotional distress for many Pakistanis,” he said.
Possible Reasons for the Bans
Although the UAE has not given explicit reasons for these new restrictions, experts believe that political or security considerations might be behind it. Changes in labour and migration policies can also be a factor. These developments may also be the UAE’s move to favour other nationalities with visas or manage incoming labour following economic changes.
A Call for Diplomatic Action
Pakistan faces mounting pressure on its government to resolve the issue. Diplomatic engagement with the UAE is an essential step towards finding a balance between the UAE’s security needs and the demands of Pakistani travellers and workers.
For now, it is recommended that potential travellers should weigh the cost of applying for a UAE visa and consider alternative destinations for work and leisure. The situation only highlights the need to strengthen bilateral ties to avoid long-term impacts on the mobility and economic stability of Pakistani citizens.
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