UAE Suspends Regular Visas to Pakistanis Amid Concerns Over Crime and Fake Credentials
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{ "title": "UAE Suspends Regular Visas to Pakistanis Amid Concerns Over Crime and Fake Credentials", "article": "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily halted regular visa issuance to Pakistani nationals due to concerns over their involvement in criminal activities and suspicious documentation. This decision comes after several Pakistani travelers complained of widespread visa rejections starting as early as July. Senior Pakistani officials have confirmed that the UAE's move is linked to concerns about Pakistanis engaging in illicit activities and presenting fake or unverified educational credentials. The Emirati authorities have reportedly begun using AI-based systems to verify the authenticity of documents, adding an extra layer of scrutiny to all visa applications. According to reports, the UAE has not formally banned Pakistani passports, but has instead tightened visa policies, effectively limiting approvals to a small number of difficult-to-obtain visas. This change was confirmed by Islamabad's Additional Interior Secretary during a recent briefing to the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights. The issue has been ongoing since mid-year, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raising concerns with UAE officials in July. Despite assurances of cooperation, the restrictions have persisted, with no clear timeline for reversal. The current situation contradicts earlier optimistic statements made by the UAE ambassador to Pakistan in April, who indicated that visa hurdles had been resolved and Pakistani nationals would have access to multi-year visas. The suspension of regular visas has affected ordinary Pakistani passport holders, while diplomatic and blue-passport holders remain unaffected. Former Pakistani ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, described the visa refusals as a 'serious and significant' issue, highlighting the need for Pakistani applicants to ensure the authenticity of their documents and the required attestation."
