Key Takeaways
• Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to meet UAE counterpart on July 9, 2025, over rising visa rejections.
• UAE introduced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Pakistanis in May 2025 without needing local sponsors.
• New UAE work visa rules require police character certificates, causing stricter security checks and more rejections.
Pakistani Interior Minister to Address UAE Visa Rejections: What’s at Stake and What Comes Next
As of July 7, 2025, the Pakistani Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, is preparing for a high-level meeting with his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. This meeting, set for July 9, 2025, will focus on a pressing issue: the growing number of visa rejections for Pakistani nationals seeking to enter the UAE. The talks come at a time when many Pakistanis, especially those with business interests or family ties in the UAE, are facing new hurdles in getting their visas approved.
This article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and what changes might be on the horizon for Pakistanis hoping to travel, work, or do business in the UAE.
Why Are UAE Visa Rejections for Pakistanis Increasing?
The recent rise in visa rejections for Pakistani nationals has caused concern among families, workers, and business owners. According to statements from both the Pakistani Interior Minister and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, several factors are behind this trend:
- Alleged Disrespect for Local Laws and Customs: UAE officials have raised concerns about some Pakistani expats not following local rules or customs. This has led to stricter checks and, in some cases, outright rejections.
- Documentation Discrepancies: Many applications have been flagged for missing or inconsistent documents. This includes errors in paperwork or incomplete information.
- Criminal Record Checks: The UAE has increased its focus on security. Applicants with any criminal history, or those who cannot provide a clean police character certificate, are more likely to face rejection.
These issues have made the visa process more complicated and have led to a noticeable drop in approvals for Pakistani applicants.
What’s Changing in UAE and Pakistani Visa Policies?
Both countries have made recent changes to their visa policies that affect how Pakistanis can travel to the UAE and how Emiratis can visit Pakistan.
UAE’s Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa for Pakistanis
In May 2025, the UAE introduced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Pakistani nationals. This visa, which was already available to Indian nationals, allows Pakistanis to enter and leave the UAE multiple times over five years without needing a local sponsor or host. This is a big step forward for families and business travelers who need flexibility.
Pakistan’s New Visa Policy for GCC Nationals
On August 23, 2024, Pakistan made it easier for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, to visit. GCC nationals can now enter Pakistan without a visa for up to 90 days and can re-enter multiple times during their stay. Pakistan also started offering visa-on-arrival for business visitors from 126 countries, with no fees.
UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis: New Requirements
While the UAE continues to issue work visas to Pakistanis, there are now stricter requirements. One key change is the need for a police character certificate, which proves the applicant has no criminal record. This is part of the UAE’s effort to keep its communities safe and maintain public order.
Statements from Key Officials
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
Minister Naqvi has spoken openly about the impact of visa rejections on Pakistan’s business ties with the UAE. He has expressed hope that his meeting with the UAE Interior Minister will lead to a solution. According to Naqvi, resolving this issue is important not just for individuals, but also for the broader relationship between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi
Ambassador Tirmizi has called the visa refusal issue “serious and significant.” He points to document problems and criminal record checks as main reasons for the rejections. Tirmizi says that, while there have been some improvements, the issue remains a top priority for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
Why Does This Matter? The Impact on Pakistanis and Bilateral Ties
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign remittances. Over 1.8 million Pakistanis live and work in the UAE, sending money home to support their families and the Pakistani economy. When visa approvals drop, the effects are felt across many areas:
- Business: Pakistani business owners and professionals rely on easy travel to the UAE for meetings, trade, and investment. Visa rejections can disrupt deals and slow economic growth.
- Workers: Many Pakistanis work in the UAE’s construction, hospitality, and service sectors. Delays or denials in work visas can leave families without income and employers without needed staff.
- Families: Families with members in both countries depend on regular visits. Visa problems can keep loved ones apart for months or even years.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing visa rejection issue has caused uncertainty for many Pakistanis who depend on strong ties with the UAE for their livelihoods and family connections.
What’s Behind the Stricter UAE Visa Process?
The UAE has not announced an official ban on Pakistani visas. However, the country has made it clear that it expects all visitors and residents to respect its laws and customs. The stricter checks are meant to:
- Ensure Security: The UAE wants to prevent people with criminal backgrounds from entering the country.
- Maintain Social Order: By checking for compliance with local customs, the UAE aims to avoid problems that could disrupt its society.
- Protect Its Reputation: The UAE is a popular destination for tourists and workers from around the world. Keeping strict standards helps maintain its image as a safe and orderly country.
Pakistan’s Response: Diplomatic Efforts and Policy Changes
Pakistan has responded to the visa issue by raising it at the highest diplomatic levels. The Interior Minister’s upcoming meeting with his UAE counterpart is part of a broader effort to improve relations and restore easier travel for Pakistanis.
Pakistan has also made its own visa policies more welcoming, especially for GCC nationals and business visitors. By making it easier for Emiratis to visit Pakistan, the government hopes to encourage the UAE to do the same for Pakistanis.
How the Visa Application Process Works for Pakistanis
For Pakistanis applying for a UAE visa, the process involves several steps. Understanding these steps can help applicants avoid common mistakes that lead to rejections.
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants must submit their visa applications through authorized channels. This can be done online or through approved travel agents.
Step 2: Documentation
Applicants need to provide all required documents. For work visas, this includes:
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- A police character certificate (showing no criminal record)
- Proof of employment or job offer
- Medical test results
Step 3: Verification
The UAE authorities will check the documents and may conduct security and medical checks. Any discrepancies or missing information can delay or derail the application.
Step 4: Approval
If everything is in order, the visa is approved. However, if there are problems with the documents or background checks, the application may be rejected.
For more details on the UAE visa process and requirements, applicants can visit the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Common Questions About UAE Visas for Pakistanis
Is there a ban on UAE visas for Pakistanis?
No, there is no official ban. However, there has been a noticeable drop in approvals due to stricter checks on documents and backgrounds.
How can Pakistani nationals apply for a UAE tourist visa?
Pakistani nationals can apply for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa through the UAE’s official visa application channels. This visa allows for multiple visits over five years without needing a local sponsor.
What are the requirements for a UAE work visa for Pakistanis?
Applicants must provide a police character certificate, proof of employment, and pass security and medical checks. All documents must be complete and accurate to avoid rejection.
What should I do if my visa is rejected?
If your visa is rejected, you can contact the UAE Embassy in Islamabad for guidance. It’s important to review your application for any errors or missing documents before reapplying.
What Are the Main Challenges Facing Applicants?
Many Pakistanis face challenges in the visa process, including:
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: Even small mistakes can lead to rejection.
- Delays in Getting Police Certificates: Obtaining a police character certificate can take time, especially if there are bureaucratic delays.
- Unclear Reasons for Rejection: Sometimes, applicants are not told exactly why their visa was denied, making it hard to fix the problem.
Practical Tips for Pakistani Applicants
To improve your chances of getting a UAE visa, consider these tips:
- Double-Check All Documents: Make sure every form is filled out correctly and all required papers are included.
- Get Your Police Certificate Early: Start the process of getting your police character certificate as soon as possible.
- Follow Local Laws and Customs: Show respect for UAE rules, both in your application and during your stay.
- Use Official Channels: Apply through authorized agents or the official UAE visa portal to avoid scams.
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake for Both Countries?
The visa issue is more than just a paperwork problem. It affects the lives of millions and the economies of both countries. The UAE relies on Pakistani workers and business partners, while Pakistan depends on remittances and trade with the UAE.
For Pakistan:
- Economic Impact: Remittances from the UAE are a major source of income for Pakistan.
- Business Growth: Easier travel means more opportunities for trade and investment.
- Family Ties: Many families are split between the two countries and depend on regular visits.
For the UAE:
- Workforce Needs: Pakistani workers fill important roles in many sectors.
- Business Links: Strong ties with Pakistan help the UAE maintain its position as a regional business hub.
- Diplomatic Relations: Good relations with Pakistan support the UAE’s broader foreign policy goals.
What’s Next? The Outlook for Pakistani-UAE Visa Relations
There is hope that the upcoming meeting between the Pakistani Interior Minister and his UAE counterpart will lead to positive changes. Both sides have reasons to find a solution:
- Pakistan wants to protect its citizens’ rights and keep business ties strong.
- The UAE wants to ensure security and maintain order while still welcoming visitors and workers.
Experts believe that better cooperation and clearer rules could help reduce visa rejections and make the process smoother for everyone involved. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that addressing the root causes—such as documentation problems and respect for local laws—will be key to finding a lasting solution.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates on visa policies and diplomatic efforts, you can check:
- UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – for official information on UAE visas and requirements
- Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – for updates on Pakistan’s visa policies and diplomatic news
- UAE Embassy in Islamabad – for help with visa applications and questions
Final Thoughts and Practical Steps
If you are a Pakistani national planning to travel to the UAE, it’s important to stay informed about the latest requirements and to prepare your documents carefully. The situation is changing, but both governments are working to find solutions that will make travel and business easier in the future.
Keep an eye on official announcements, double-check your paperwork, and don’t hesitate to seek help from government offices if you run into problems. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can improve your chances of a successful visa application.
As the talks between the Pakistani Interior Minister and the UAE authorities move forward, many hope for a return to smoother travel and stronger ties between these two important countries.
Learn Today
Visa Rejection → Denial of a visa application due to incomplete documents or background concerns.
Police Character Certificate → Official document proving an applicant has no criminal record required for some UAE visas.
Multiple-Entry Visa → A visa allowing travelers to enter and exit a country multiple times within a validity period.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) → A political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Diplomatic Efforts → Official government actions aimed at resolving international issues through negotiations and communication.
This Article in a Nutshell
Pakistani Interior Minister Naqvi will meet UAE officials July 9, 2025, to address increasing visa rejections affecting workers and businesses. The UAE recently introduced five-year tourist visas and stricter work visa requirements, aiming to enhance security and preserve strong Pakistan-UAE ties amid diplomatic efforts for smoother travel.
— By VisaVerge.com
