UAE’s Stance on Age Limit Ban for Pakistani Visit and Work Visa Applicants
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has addressed concerns regarding visa restrictions for Pakistanis after unofficial reports caused worry among individuals seeking employment opportunities in the Gulf nation.
In response to circulating rumors, the Emirates has refuted claims on social media regarding a visa ban on Pakistanis. The Consul General of the UAE in Karachi, Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, dismissed these rumors as fabricated.
Clarification on ‘UAE Visa Ban on Pakistanis’:
The UAE official has explicitly stated that there is no visa ban in place for Pakistanis, emphasizing that the visa section at the UAE consulate remains operational. Furthermore, Pakistanis are permitted to travel to the UAE for work visas without any age restrictions.
Social Media Speculation:
Despite claims made by several internet users suggesting that the UAE had ceased issuing visas to single Pakistani men under the age of 42, these assertions have been debunked as false.
Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates, has not issued any visa restrictions specifically targeting Pakistani nationals. There is no ban in place regarding visit or work visas for single Pakistani men under the age of 42.
It is crucial to address this misinformation promptly as it is not an isolated incident. Similar rumors have circulated in the past. For instance, last year there were false claims that the UAE had stopped issuing visit visas to residents of certain Pakistani cities.
The Pakistani diaspora plays a vital role in the UAE, being one of the major expatriate communities in the country. Pakistani expatriates constitute one of the largest foreign communities in the UAE, making significant contributions to the nation’s workforce and economy. They are employed across various sectors including construction, healthcare, finance, and hospitality.
The UAE offers employment opportunities for many Pakistanis who are seeking better prospects and income in the Gulf nation.
The Reality
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is crucial to understand that bans are not typically issued in written format, which is different from certain Western countries where decisions are publicly disclosed.
Immigration officers in the UAE communicate any policy changes verbally to Public Relations Officers (PROs) of visa companies. These PROs then relay this information to their respective companies, which in turn notify their clients. Despite official clarifications, visas for single Pakistani males under 42 years old traveling alone continue to be declined, even if they possess a strong travel history and legitimate reasons for their travel.
Update on Female Travelers Under 42 Years Old:
Previously, only male applicants were experiencing visa rejections. However, the rejection list now includes single women under the age of 42. For instance, A****** Bibi, who had previously visited Dubai in March, reapplied for her visa in June but faced rejection. A****** Bibi has always departed the UAE within the validity of her visa and has a clean record; nevertheless, her visa application was denied.