The UAE has stopped issuing visas to Pakistani citizens, revealed Pakistan interior ministry's additional secretary Salman Chaudhry, according to the Dawn
Speaking during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on Thursday, Chaudhry said currently the UAE is issuing visas only to Pakistanis with blue passports and diplomatic passports. Pakistani blue passports are held mainly by government officials.
Why did UAE halt visas to Pakistanis?
Pakistani Senator Sameena Mumtaz Zehri, who heads the committee, said the UAE and Saudi Arabia decided to stop issuing visas as many Pakistani citizens were "getting involved in criminal activities."
She added that only a few visas have been issued recently after significant efforts and lengthy procedures.
The UAE government also had issues with Pakistanis on visit visas resorting to begging in the country, the Dawn cited officials as saying.
Will UAE ban Pakistani passports?
This has raised speculations that UAE could issue a ban on passports too. "If a ban is imposed, getting it removed would be difficult," Pakistan interior ministry's additional secretary Salman Chaudhry said.
Ordinary passport holders from Pakistan are now finding it difficult to gain entry permits as they face prolonged procedures and require special approvals.
This comes despite the UAE ambassador in April announcing that visa issues had been resolved. Back then, he said Pakistanis could now avail a five-year visa.
Following this, UAE Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Pakistan's Interior Minister on July 11, when he assured the latter that visas for Pakistani nationals will be expedited.
