Pakistan Denies UAE Visa Ban Reports, Cites Continued Issuance

Reports circulating about a ban on visas for Pakistani citizens by the United Arab Emirates have been dismissed by Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan stated on September 10, 2026, that visa issuance for Pakistanis continues, and the available data does not support claims of a restriction. He highlighted that the number of Pakistanis employed and receiving visas for the UAE significantly outweighs the number of individuals repatriated.

UAE Continues Issuing Visas to Pakistanis

Sajjad Haider Khan, the Foreign Office spokesperson, informed reporters that the UAE is still issuing visas to Pakistani nationals, countering the narrative of a shutdown. He presented figures to support this claim, indicating a consistent flow of employment and visa opportunities. Khan explained that over the past five years, the UAE has repatriated approximately 7,000 to 8,000 Pakistanis annually. In contrast, during the same period, between 40,000 and 50,000 Pakistanis have found employment and secured UAE visas. This substantial difference, he argued, demonstrates that the reported concerns do not align with the actual situation.

Khan further elaborated on the employment figures, stating, “Jobs offered by the UAE to Pakistanis are seven times more than the actual number of repatriations.” He reiterated that the average repatriation of 7,000 to 8,000 Pakistanis per year from the UAE is a normal occurrence. He contrasted this with the 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis who have been employed and received visas for the UAE annually, emphasizing that this gap indicates the reality on the ground.

Clarifying Delays Versus a Blanket Ban

The denial from Pakistan’s Foreign Office specifically addressed claims of an imposed ban or broad restriction on UAE visas for Pakistanis. Khan clarified that while there might be delays or increased scrutiny in the application process, these do not constitute an official ban. He emphasized that short waiting periods are not equivalent to a complete shutdown of visa services. Pakistani officials have previously echoed this stance, acknowledging earlier reports of slower processing times and more rigorous screening. Both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi have maintained that no official visa ban targeting Pakistani nationals is in place.

Visit Visas Resumed Through Registered Agencies

By early August 2026, UAE visit visas for ordinary Pakistani passport holders had resumed, with applications being processed through registered travel agencies. An official from the UAE embassy in Pakistan confirmed this development, and travel industry sources also reported the change. This reopening of the visa channel, however, still involved a structured process. Applications were required to go through designated agents, and screening remained an integral part of the system. This adjustment occurred more than a month before Khan’s briefing on September 10, 2026, indicating a shift in the visa application landscape.

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