UAE Issues Official Response to Visa Ban Reports for Pakistanis in 2026

In recent weeks, speculation about a possible visa ban on Pakistani nationals traveling to the United Arab Emirates has caused uncertainty among people planning to visit, work, or settle there. These rumors spread rapidly on social media and some news platforms, leading to confusion and concern. However, UAE authorities have clearly stated that there is no visa ban in place for Pakistani citizens and no plans to impose one.

Earlier reports suggesting a blanket UAE visa ban for Pakistanis were officially denied by UAE representatives, including the UAE Consul General in Karachi. According to these officials, all visa categories for Pakistani nationals remain open, including tourist, visit, business, work, and employment visas. The UAE government has reiterated that such claims are based on misinformation and do not reflect the country’s actual visa policy.

The UAE Consul General emphasized that Pakistan and the UAE share long-standing and strong ties in areas such as trade, tourism, and labor. Millions of Pakistani nationals live and work in the UAE, contributing significantly to its economy. Officials stressed that this relationship remains unchanged and that Pakistani travelers and workers continue to be welcomed under existing visa regulations.

A blanket visa ban would mean a complete halt to issuing all types of visas to citizens of a particular country, including tourist, work, and business visas. UAE authorities have confirmed that no such restriction exists for Pakistan. Pakistani nationals can continue to apply for visas through the usual legal and administrative channels without any special limitations.

While there have been isolated instances in the past where certain visa categories faced temporary restrictions due to administrative reviews or security-related measures, these were not countrywide or permanent bans. Currently, there are no city-specific or region-based visa restrictions affecting Pakistani applicants. Individuals from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other parts of Pakistan remain eligible to apply for UAE visas under the standard process.

The UAE visa system for Pakistani nationals is functioning normally. Tourist and visit visas are being issued as usual, allowing Pakistanis to travel for leisure, family visits, and short stays. The application process remains straightforward, whether handled through authorized travel agents, airlines, or official channels.

Work and employment visas are also fully available to Pakistani nationals. The UAE continues to be a major destination for Pakistani workers, particularly in sectors such as construction, hospitality, healthcare, transport, and skilled professions. Employers in the UAE can still sponsor Pakistani workers, and recent reforms in the visa system aim to make employment-based immigration more efficient and transparent.

For those seeking employment, applications can be submitted through employers or official UAE immigration systems. Pakistani professionals and laborers remain an important part of the UAE workforce, and there have been no announcements indicating any change to this arrangement.

As of now, there are no new policies or restrictions affecting Pakistani travelers. UAE visas are open, processing continues as normal, and Pakistani citizens can confidently plan travel for tourism, business, or work. Authorities advise applicants to rely only on official statements and verified sources rather than unconfirmed rumors circulating online.

In summary, the UAE has not imposed any visa ban on Pakistani nationals. All visa categories remain open, and the visa application process continues without disruption. Pakistanis planning to travel to the UAE can do so with confidence, knowing that the rumors of a visa ban have been officially denied and clarified by UAE authorities.