The United Arab Emirates (EAU) have confirmed that there is no official prohibition of visas by Pakistani citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan (MOFA) informed the National Assembly in a letter, local media reported Thursday.
Responding to a consultation by the legislator Dr. Nafisa Shah, the Ministry declared that the EAU embassy in Islamabad had clarified the matter. According to the Embassy, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security of the EAU has introduced a new five -year visa policy with additional requirements.
According to the reviewed policy, applicants must provide round trip tickets, hotels reserves, property proof (if applicable) and an initial payment of 3,000 Dirhams Emirarati (AED).
The Ministry pointed out that although there is no formal prohibition, several factors have contributed to a greater scrutiny of the Pakistani applicants.
These include cases of individuals presenting false titles, fraudulent employment contracts and incidents of overlapping roads. Some Pakistani citizens have also been involved in political and criminal activities.
In addition, the EAU authorities have expressed concern about the misuse of social networks by certain members of the Pakistani community.
The Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi has been involved with the US officials at the ministerial and undersecretary level to address these problems. Senior officials of the Middle East Division have also raised the matter with the Eau Embassy in Islamabad.
To facilitate softer visa processing, the ministry has been sharing letters of recommendation with the EAU embassy in Islamabad. The Emirarati authorities have reiterated that there is no official restriction to Pakistani applicants.
