UAE Visa For Pakistani Citizens: Is It Open Or Closed? Current Status And Updates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a favored destination for Pakistani citizens, whether for tourism, business, employment, or residency purposes. Over the years, the UAE has maintained strong ties with Pakistan, hosting a large Pakistani expatriate population and welcoming thousands of travelers each year. However, visa policies can fluctuate due to changing diplomatic, political, or security considerations.

In this article, we explore the current status of UAE visas for Pakistani citizens, the types of visas available, and the overall visa application process, providing clarity on whether UAE visas for Pakistanis are open or restricted.

Current Status of UAE Visa for Pakistani Citizens (As of 2024)

As of 2024, UAE visas for Pakistani citizens are open, and Pakistani nationals can apply for various types of visas to visit, work, or reside in the UAE. While there have been occasional restrictions or temporary suspensions of specific visa categories in the past, the UAE government generally maintains an open visa policy for Pakistani nationals.

However, it’s essential to stay updated on visa policies, as changes may occur due to various factors, such as international relations, security concerns, or public health issues (like during the COVID-19 pandemic).

In summary:

Tourist visas are open for Pakistani nationals.
Business visas, employment visas, and residency visas remain accessible for Pakistanis, subject to meeting the necessary requirements.
Transit visas and student visas are also available.

While the visa application process is open, applicants must adhere to the UAE’s rules and guidelines, and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

Types of UAE Visas Available for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens can apply for various types of UAE visas depending on the purpose of their visit. Here’s a breakdown of the major visa categories:

1. UAE Tourist Visa for Pakistanis

The UAE tourist visa allows Pakistani nationals to visit the UAE for leisure or short-term stays. There are different types of tourist visas depending on the duration of the visit:

30-Day Tourist Visa: This visa allows a stay of 30 days and can be extended twice for 30 days each. It is available for single or multiple entries.
90-Day Tourist Visa: Ideal for longer stays, the 90-day tourist visa also offers single or multiple entries. It is popular among visitors with extended vacation plans or those exploring business opportunities in the UAE.

Application Process: Pakistani tourists can apply through UAE-based airlines (like Emirates or Etihad), licensed travel agents, or hotels. Some travel agencies in Pakistan also facilitate visa applications.

2. UAE Business Visa for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani entrepreneurs, investors, and businesspeople who want to explore opportunities in the UAE or attend conferences and meetings can apply for a UAE business visa.

Short-Term Business Visa: Allows individuals to enter the UAE for business meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.
Long-Term Business Visa: Part of the UAE’s Golden Visa initiative, this visa is designed for entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish or expand their businesses in the UAE.

Application Process: Business visas are usually sponsored by the hosting company or the business organization in the UAE. You may also need to provide business-related documents, including invitation letters and financial statements.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

3. UAE Employment Visa for Pakistani Nationals

The UAE is one of the most popular destinations for Pakistani expatriates seeking employment. An employment visa allows individuals to work and live in the UAE legally.

Eligibility: You must have a job offer from a UAE-based company. The employer sponsors the visa and takes care of the application process.
Duration: The employment visa is typically valid for 2-3 years, depending on the employment contract.
Medical Tests: Pakistani nationals applying for employment visas must undergo medical tests, including tests for tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.

Application Process: The UAE employer must submit the employment visa application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Once approved, the employee can travel to the UAE, where they will receive their residency permit after further processing.

4. UAE Residency Visa for Pakistani Citizens

A residency visa allows Pakistani nationals to live, work, and bring their families to the UAE. Residency visas are generally tied to employment, investment, or family sponsorship.

Work Residency Visa: Sponsored by the employer and tied to the employment contract.
Family Residency Visa: A Pakistani resident in the UAE can sponsor family members, including spouse and children, to live in the UAE.
Golden Visa: For long-term residents, entrepreneurs, highly skilled workers, and investors, the UAE offers a 5-10 year visa that provides more stability.

Application Process: Residency visas are generally handled by the employer or sponsor. The process involves submitting necessary documents, medical tests, and approval from the relevant UAE authorities.

5. UAE Student Visa for Pakistanis

Pakistani students accepted into a UAE educational institution (university, college, or school) are eligible for a UAE student visa. The student visa is issued for one year, renewable annually until the end of the study program.

Application Process: The student must be enrolled in an accredited institution, and the visa is typically sponsored by the university.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

UAE Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens

When applying for any UAE visa, Pakistani citizens must ensure they meet the basic visa requirements. Here are the general documents required for most types of visas:

Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of intended travel.
Photographs: Passport-sized photographs in accordance with UAE visa specifications.
Application Form: Filled application form (online or paper-based).
Travel Itinerary: Proof of return flight and travel itinerary (for tourist visas).
Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover the stay (if required).
Accommodation Details: Hotel booking or residence details.
Sponsorship Details: In the case of employment or residency visas, sponsorship details from the employer or family member.
Medical Tests: For work or residency visas, medical tests are required.

The specific documents and requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of the visit.

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Visa Restrictions and Challenges for Pakistani Citizens

Although UAE visas for Pakistanis are generally available, there have been instances where visa applications from certain regions in Pakistan or certain categories of individuals were temporarily restricted. This may be due to diplomatic concerns, security situations, or immigration policy changes.

For example, in 2020, there was a temporary halt on the issuance of certain types of work and tourist visas for citizens from Pakistan and a few other countries due to security concerns. Such restrictions are typically temporary, and the visa issuance process resumes once the concerns are addressed.

It is important to stay updated on the latest UAE visa policies by checking official UAE government websites or consulting with UAE embassies or travel agents.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

How to Apply for a UAE Visa as a Pakistani Citizen

Here’s a simplified guide to applying for a UAE visa:

Determine the Visa Type: Choose the appropriate visa based on your visit’s purpose (tourism, business, employment, etc.).
Find a Sponsor: Depending on the visa type, you may need a sponsor (employer, airline, travel agency, hotel, or family member).
Submit Documents: Prepare the required documents, such as passport, photos, and any additional documents specific to your visa type.
Apply Online or Through a Travel Agent: You can apply for a UAE visa through the UAE embassy, GDRFA (for Dubai visas), or an authorized travel agency.
Pay the Visa Fee: Depending on the visa type, you may need to pay the visa application fee, which varies based on the duration and type of visa.
Wait for Approval: Visa processing times can vary, but generally, UAE visas are processed within 2-7 business days.
Travel and Entry: Once approved, you can travel to the UAE and present your visa upon arrival.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

As of 2024, UAE visas for Pakistani citizens are open, with multiple visa options available for tourism, business, employment, residency, and education. Pakistani citizens can take advantage of the open visa policies by following the proper procedures and staying informed about any temporary restrictions or updates. Always consult official UAE visa authorities or accredited travel agencies for the latest information before applying.

For those looking to live, work, or explore the UAE, the opportunity remains vibrant, making the UAE an accessible and attractive destination for Pakistanis.