This move comes amid rising concerns over misuse of visit visas and could significantly impact travel and employment opportunities
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has severely restricted visa issuance for Pakistani nationals, allowing only holders of diplomatic and government “blue” passports, amid rising concerns over illegal activities linked to some visitors.
Visa crackdown targets ordinary Pakistani travellers
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The UAE’s decision to halt most visas for ordinary Pakistani citizens comes after heightened scrutiny over criminal incidents involving visitors from Pakistan. While officials considered a complete ban on Pakistani passports, authorities stopped short, allowing visas only for blue passport holders—reserved for government officials—and diplomatic passports. This has major implications for ordinary Pakistani travellers seeking tourism, employment, or family visits in the Gulf nation, a historically key destination for Pakistani expatriates and remittances.
Background and reasons for restrictions
The move follows reports of some Pakistani visitors misusing visit visas for begging and other unlawful activities, a concern previously experienced by Saudi Arabia, which deported certain Pakistani nationals. Pakistani government officials have engaged in diplomatic talks with the UAE to address these issues, but enforcement remains strict. While visa facilitation reforms, including online applications, e-visas without passport stamping, and faster processing through the UAE Visa Centre in Pakistan, have been introduced, these benefits largely apply to diplomatic and blue passport holders. Ordinary citizens continue to face significant barriers.
Green passport holders face toughest restrictions
Green passports, issued to regular Pakistani citizens, are effectively excluded from visa issuance under the new restrictions. Reports from a Senate briefing revealed that only a very small number of visas for green passport holders have been approved in recent months, and even those were granted after “much difficulty.” Interior Ministry officials cited rising criminal incidents among visitors as the primary reason for the restrictions.
UAE introduces visa facilitation reforms for officials
Despite tightening visa access for ordinary citizens, the UAE launched measures to improve processing efficiency for permitted travellers. These include:
- Online visa applications.
- E-visa issuance without physical passport stamping.
- Faster verification through digital systems.
- Enhanced processing at the UAE Visa Centre in Pakistan, handling around 500 applications daily.
- Historical context and bilateral ties
Earlier in 2025, the UAE had announced eligibility for a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Pakistani nationals, following a similar programme for Indians. However, the subsequent visa restrictions for green passport holders have overshadowed these advancements. The UAE remains a major destination for Pakistani workers, and remittances from the Gulf continue to form a crucial part of Pakistan’s economy. Work visas remain largely unaffected, but ordinary travellers seeking visit or tourist visas face growing uncertainty.
Implications for Pakistanis
The restrictions have both social and economic implications, particularly for families, small businesses, and the workforce dependent on Gulf migration. Experts note that the situation underscores the need for ongoing diplomatic dialogue and more stringent border management to maintain bilateral cooperation while preventing misuse of visas.
In 2025, the UAE implemented strict measures restricting visa issuance to Pakistani nationals, permitting only holders of diplomatic and government blue passports. The crackdown targets green passport holders, who represent ordinary citizens seeking tourism, family visits, or short-term employment. Pakistani officials have engaged in talks with UAE authorities, but enforcement remains firm.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between maintaining border security, enforcing law and order, and facilitating legitimate migration. For now, ordinary Pakistani citizens must navigate a significantly restricted visa environment, while diplomatic and government officials continue to access the UAE with relative ease.
Published: 28 Nov 2025, 12:53 pm IST
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