Dubai Blocks Visas for Pakistani Nationals Amid Rising Crime and Begging Issues

Dubai is no longer issuing visas to Pakistani nationals in light of escalating concerns over criminal activities, including begging and illegal conduct, among those arriving on visit visas. This ban has sparked anxiety among families, job seekers, and recruitment agencies in Pakistan.

The announcement was made public during a session of Pakistan’s Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, where Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry revealed that the UAE had expressed serious concerns over misconduct by Pakistani tourists. He cautioned that reversing such a ban is fraught with challenges.

Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig noted that the UAE authorities noted a troubling trend where individuals from Pakistan were utilizing visit visas for entry and subsequently engaging in begging activities. This has raised alarm for the UAE government, which is renowned for its stringent laws safeguarding public order. Currently, the UAE is only granting entry permits to holders of blue and diplomatic passports.

Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, chairing the Senate committee, remarked that only a few Pakistanis are now receiving visas, and they face significant hurdles. Families aiming to reunite and job hunters looking for opportunities in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are experiencing serious obstacles due to these new regulations.

This restriction isn't unprecedented; in late 2024, several Gulf States, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, enforced a permanent visa halt for individuals from over 30 regions in Pakistan, attributing it to rising incidents of begging, smuggling, and other illegal activities by Pakistani nationals.

Previously, the UAE mandated that visa applicants provide a police-issued character certificate to confirm their clean criminal history. Despite these measures, authorities continue to witness violations, prompting this latest visa suspension.

For countless Pakistanis, the Gulf region stands as a vital hub for employment and tourism. Annually, over 800,000 Pakistanis apply for visas to the UAE and neighboring countries. Numerous families rely on remittances from Pakistani expatriates, making these restrictions a significant economic worry.

Popular Pakistani podcaster Nadir Ali revealed his own struggle to secure a visa for Dubai, highlighting that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have issued cautionary notices to Pakistan concerning the increasing number of beggars and illegal workers.

The UAE continues to be one of Pakistan's primary trading partners, with a large community of Pakistanis contributing to various sectors. The visa suspension is anticipated to affect travel and employment prospects between the two nations, emphasizing the urgent need for Pakistan to address the concerns raised by the UAE.