In a considerable diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially opened the doors for Pakistani nationals to use for a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. The declaration came from UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, following the decision of earlier visa-associated worries.
According to the UAE authorities portal, mainly Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, the 5-year more than one-access vacationer visa lets in holders to journey to the UAE more than one instances within the five-year validity period. Crucially, this visa does now not require a local guarantor or host, consequently simplifying the journey procedure considerably for Pakistanis searching for to visit the us of a for tourism or family visits.
Ambassador Al Zaabi made this declaration in the course of a assembly with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor’s House in Karachi. A press release from the Governor House quoted the ambassador confirming, “Visa troubles were resolved, Pakistanis can get a five-year visa.” He further invited Governor Tessori to go to the visa centre at the UAE Consulate in Karachi. In reaction, Governor Tessori expressed gratitude for the UAE’s persisted investment and developmental tasks in Sindh, particularly in Karachi. The ambassador, in turn, counseled the projects undertaken with the aid of the Governor’s office.
The announcement comes amid a complicated backdrop of recent tensions and visa scrutiny among the UAE and Pakistan. Over the past year, reports had surfaced concerning elevated scrutiny of Pakistani travelers because of growing worries approximately criminal sports and public misconduct, together with avenue begging. In December 2024, a Senate committee in Pakistan become briefed that each one Pakistani travelers to the UAE were required to undergo police verification. Travel marketers had been also advised to make sure compliance with these new tips.
Further clarity became provided in January 2025, when the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development stated that there have been no formal regulations on work visas for Pakistanis. However, it recounted that visa issuance were “unofficially closed” because of issues from the UAE government over the misuse of visit visas, mainly for activities which includes begging.
Adding another layer to the problem, in a November 2024 interview with Geo News, the UAE Consul-General in Karachi, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, pointed to negative social media behavior via a few Pakistani influencers as a contributing component to the visa challenges. He noted particular times concerning misconduct on structures like TikTok that had brought about dissatisfaction in the UAE management. This brought about the tightening of visa regulations, even though the consul-trendy clarified that no respectable ban have been placed on Pakistani candidates.
Despite the recent problems, the latest move to permit five-year multiple-entry tourist visas marks a advantageous flip in UAE-Pakistan relations. It alerts a renewed spirit of cooperation and mutual believe. The relaxation of entry requirements and the outlet of long-term tourist visas is anticipated to enhance people-to-people connections, raise tourism, and facilitate easier family visits.
Analysts endorse that this selection may mirror the UAE’s confidence in Pakistan’s efforts to deal with worries raised in advance, particularly associated with traveller behavior and visa misuse. It may also help shift the narrative from one ruled by using regulations and scrutiny to one focused on partnership and opportunity.
The 5-year visa option will possibly be welcomed with the aid of a large spectrum of Pakistani society, specially people with family ties within the UAE or enterprise interest requiring frequent tour. The circulate additionally has the capability to definitely effect the travel and tourism sectors, with travel businesses looking forward to a spike in call for for UAE-bound programs.
As both countries continue to bolster bilateral ties, this improvement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of cultural international relations, accountable tourism, and respectful behavior overseas. With open verbal exchange and mutual respect, the UAE and Pakistan look like on a promising course toward renewed engagement and cooperation.
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