UAE suspends visa issuance for ordinary Pakistanis

Islamabad  (Web Desk): The Ministry of Interior has revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stopped issuing visas for ordinary Pakistani citizens. Currently, only diplomatic and blue passport holders are being granted visas by the UAE. Officials from the Ministry of Interior disclosed this information during a meeting of the Senate's Standing Committee on Human Rights, highlighting that this suspension could severely impact the opportunities for millions of Pakistanis to travel and work abroad.

During the meeting, Ministry officials stated that the ban on Pakistani passports for UAE visas was nearly enforced, and had it been implemented, lifting it would have been extremely difficult. They further explained that there are currently 21,647 Pakistanis incarcerated in 61 countries, most of whom are involved in minor crimes such as overstaying visas, identity fraud, and bank fraud.

In addition, the Ministry of Interior informed the committee that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has digitized data of Pakistani citizens to prevent future occurrences of such issues. The ministry added that 93% of Pakistan's workforce is employed in Gulf countries, where large human trafficking networks operate, exploiting young people by charging them large sums to send them via illegal routes.

The committee also directed the Ministry of Interior to launch an immediate awareness campaign against human trafficking and improve consular services for Pakistanis abroad. The committee expressed concern over the lack of awareness campaigns at airports and in cities regarding these issues.

These revelations come at a time when more and more Pakistani citizens are seeking employment opportunities abroad, but are facing difficulties in obtaining visas due to the suspension by the UAE.