Pakistan has rejected speculation about a UAE Visa Ban for Pakistanis, saying that the United Arab Emirates continues to issue visas to Pakistani nationals on a significant scale.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said during a September 10, 2026 briefing that the number of Pakistanis receiving visas and emigrating to the UAE is substantially higher than the number being repatriated. According to the figures he shared, around 7,000 to 8,000 Pakistanis are repatriated from the UAE annually, while approximately 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis travel to the country each year for employment and other purposes.
The clarification comes amid recurring reports and social media speculation about restrictions on Pakistani travelers.
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Pakistan Rejects UAE Visa Ban Claims
The Pakistani government has pushed back against claims that the UAE has imposed a blanket visa ban on Pakistani citizens.
During the latest briefing, the Foreign Office highlighted the difference between visa issuance and repatriation. While thousands of Pakistanis may be sent back from the UAE each year, this does not mean that the country has stopped issuing visas to Pakistani nationals.
The official figures indicate that approximately 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis continue to emigrate to the UAE annually, compared with around 7,000 to 8,000 repatriations.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior had also rejected earlier speculation about targeted deportations, stating that Pakistani nationals who meet UAE visa and work requirements continue to travel to the country.
1. UAE Continues to Issue Visas to Pakistanis
One of the most important points in the latest clarification is that Pakistani nationals continue to receive UAE visas.
The Foreign Office said the annual number of Pakistanis emigrating to the UAE is several times higher than the number being repatriated.
This does not mean that every Pakistani visa application will be approved. Visa decisions remain subject to UAE immigration requirements, documentation, security checks and the relevant visa category.
The UAE Embassy in Islamabad advises applicants to follow current visa requirements carefully and notes that regulations and costs can change.
2. Repatriation Does Not Mean a Visa Ban
Repatriation and visa rejection are two different matters.
A person who has already entered the UAE can later be repatriated for reasons such as overstaying a visa, violating immigration rules or committing an offence. Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has previously stated that deportations, where they occur, are part of routine procedures under the host country’s laws and regulations.
This distinction is important when assessing claims about a UAE Visa Ban for Pakistanis.
A country can continue issuing thousands of visas while separately taking action against individuals who violate its laws.
3. Stricter Checks May Still Affect Applicants
Although Pakistan has rejected claims of a blanket ban, Pakistani applicants have faced stricter scrutiny in recent years.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has previously said that some Pakistani nationals were found submitting forged academic credentials and employment contracts. It also referred to cases involving overstays and other violations.
These concerns can result in additional checks and delays for individual applications.
Pakistani travelers should therefore ensure that their passports, employment documents, accommodation details and other supporting information are genuine and accurate before applying.
4. UAE Visa Requirements Remain Important
The latest government clarification should not be interpreted as a guarantee of visa approval.
Applicants must still meet the requirements for the particular type of UAE visa they are seeking. Requirements can vary depending on whether the applicant is traveling for tourism, employment, business, family visits or another purpose.
The UAE Embassy in Islamabad specifically warns applicants that visa regulations and costs are subject to change and should be verified before traveling. It also warns that overstaying can result in fines and detention.
Travelers should therefore verify the latest information through official UAE channels rather than relying on WhatsApp messages, social media posts or unverified agents.
5. UAE Remains a Major Destination for Pakistanis
The UAE continues to have strong economic and people-to-people connections with Pakistan.
A large Pakistani community lives and works across the Emirates, while the country remains an important destination for Pakistani workers, business visitors, tourists and families.
Recent developments also indicate that UAE-Pakistan travel has been recovering. In August 2026, reports indicated that UAE visit visas for Pakistani citizens had resumed through registered travel agencies after months of uncertainty and stricter processing.
This provides additional context for understanding the latest rejection of claims about a complete UAE Visa Ban for Pakistanis.
What Pakistani Travelers Should Know
Pakistani travelers planning to visit the UAE should focus on their individual eligibility rather than rumors about a nationwide ban.
Before submitting an application, applicants should:
- Check the correct visa category.
- Ensure their passport is valid for the required period.
- Provide accurate supporting documents.
- Use authorized visa application channels.
- Avoid fake documents or misleading information.
- Check the latest UAE immigration requirements.
- Confirm their visa status before booking non-refundable travel.
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai also provides guidelines for Pakistani tourists and visitors, including requirements relating to passport validity, appropriate visas, hotel bookings, funds and return tickets.
UAE Visa Ban for Pakistanis: What the Latest Figures Show
The figures shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office provide a clearer picture of the situation.
| Category | Approximate Annual Number |
|---|---|
| Pakistanis repatriated from UAE | 7,000–8,000 |
| Pakistanis receiving visas/emigrating to UAE | 40,000–50,000 |
According to the Foreign Office, the number of Pakistanis emigrating to the UAE is around seven to eight times higher than the number being repatriated.
These figures do not guarantee approval for individual applicants, but they do challenge the idea that the UAE has completely stopped issuing visas to Pakistani nationals.
Why Visa Rumors Continue to Create Confusion
Visa-related rumors can spread quickly because applicants may experience different outcomes.
One person may receive a visa quickly, while another may face additional checks or a rejection. Such individual experiences can then be presented online as evidence of a nationwide policy.
However, official statements and current visa guidance should be used to distinguish between individual application problems and an actual nationwide restriction.
The UAE’s official visa information also makes clear that visa policies are subject to change, meaning travelers should check official sources close to their intended travel date.
Official Sources for Pakistani Travelers
For the latest information, Pakistani travelers should verify requirements directly through the UAE Embassy in Islamabad and the UAE’s official government information portal.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism also publishes entry-related information, while Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides official statements concerning Pakistanis traveling and working abroad.
Using official sources is especially important when visa policies or processing procedures are changing.
Pakistan Rejects UAE Visa Ban Speculation
Pakistan’s latest clarification offers a direct response to speculation surrounding a UAE Visa Ban for Pakistanis.
The Foreign Office says around 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis continue to emigrate to the UAE annually, while approximately 7,000 to 8,000 are repatriated. The government has stressed that repatriations can occur because of immigration violations, overstays or other issues and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a nationwide visa ban.
For Pakistani applicants, the key point is simple: individual visa approval still depends on UAE requirements and authorities. Travelers should rely on verified government information and ensure that all documentation is genuine and complete.
The latest figures and official statements therefore provide no basis for treating the situation as a confirmed blanket UAE Visa Ban for Pakistanis.
