The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended visa applications for Pakistani citizens, creating severe difficulties for the business community and entrepreneurs.
According to sources, Pakistani visa applications have been put on hold for two weeks, and applicants have been advised to reapply after February 15, 2025. This sudden decision has particularly affected businesspeople who were preparing to attend the Gulf Food Exhibition in Dubai.
With the unexpected apparent decision by the UAE, several Pakistanis are affected, including an applicant who confirmed that the UAE consulate in Dubai has returned their visa applications, informing them that no visas will be issued for the next two weeks.
“We are standing outside the consulate, but they are refusing to accept any applications,” said one affected individual. “They are asking for a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but when we visited the ministry’s office, officials there stated that no such new policy had been issued from Islamabad. This restriction has been imposed solely by the UAE embassy.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed its unawareness regarding the issue, stating, “This decision has been made by the UAE consulate, and we have received no official instructions from Islamabad on the matter.”
When one applicant asked a ministry official about possible solutions, they responded, “Even if you manage to get a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE will still not issue visas. They are causing unnecessary trouble for everyone.”
The Pakistani business community has strongly opposed this decision and urged the government to address the issue diplomatically. One businessman stated, “Our investments worth millions are at stake. If these visa issues are not resolved immediately, attending the Gulf Food Exhibition, which is crucial for our businesses, will be impossible.”
Affected businesspeople have appealed to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and other relevant institutions to take immediate steps to resolve the matter and provide urgent assistance in securing visas. Otherwise, obtaining them on time will not be possible.
