Pakistani nationals’ aspirations to travel to the UAE for work and business were recently dashed when the Gulf country enforced a visa ban.
While the UAE authorities had already cited concerns about social media activity and criminal incidents as the reasons for the ban, newly released official documents shed light on additional factors. According to the documents shared by the Emirati government with the Pakistani embassy, the ban was discussed in a cabinet meeting after complaints were raised about the behavior of some Pakistani citizens.
The documents revealed that some nationals had participated in protests, criticized UAE government policies online, and misused digital platforms. These actions were viewed as damaging to the UAE’s image, prompting government action.
Additionally, concerns arose over allegations of document forgery, such as altered identity cards and passports, by certain Pakistani individuals. The documents also mentioned an increase in criminal activities like theft, fraud, begging, and drug-related offenses, which were reportedly more common among Pakistani nationals than other foreign groups.
The UAE authorities shared these concerns with Pakistan’s ambassador, emphasizing that the visa ban was a result of high-level government discussions. The Pakistani embassy has since relayed the complaints to Islamabad in an official report, urging prompt attention to address the issues.
This development has sparked debate within the Pakistani community in the UAE, with many law-abiding residents who contribute positively to the economy feeling affected. Calls for constructive dialogue and collaborative solutions are growing, as the visa ban threatens the livelihoods of thousands of families and businesses relying on Pakistani workers.
