Why Are UAE Visas Being Delayed or Rejected for Pakistani Nationals in 2025?

 Reports in mid-2025 of sudden visa delays and rejections for Pakistani applicants to the UAE sparked concern and speculation. Headlines and social media even floated a “UAE visa ban for Pakistanis 2025,” but official statements stress that no such ban exists. Instead, the UAE introduced a revised five-year visa program in early 2025 with extra documentation requirements. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirms that the new visa rules – not any new exclusionary policy – are behind the slower processing time. In short, the confusion reflects stricter vetting and paperwork checks, not a change in policy targeting Pakistanis.

No Official Ban, But Stricter Visa Requirements in 2025

Contrary to rumors, the UAE does not have a formal visa ban on Pakistanis. Pakistan’s government received a clarification from the UAE embassy confirming this point. What has changed is the visa regime. In early 2025, the UAE rolled out a new five-year multiple-entry visa with additional entry conditions. Under this policy, applicants must submit confirmed round-trip airline tickets, hotel or accommodation bookings, proof of property ownership (if any), and a refundable security deposit of AED 3,000. These stricter pre-approval requirements are intended to validate travel plans in advance. The Pakistani Foreign Office notes that these changes explain why some visa applications are taking longer – they add steps for applicants and sponsors to complete.

Authorities emphasize that these new rules apply to all nationalities and were introduced through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). In other words, the delays reflect enhanced security screening and documentation checks, not a policy specifically targeting Pakistanis. The UAE embassy in Islamabad has told the Pakistani government that no nationality-based visa ban exists, and MoFA has publicly reiterated that “there is no formal ban” on Pakistanis

Key Reasons Behind Visa Delays and Rejections

Delays and refusals that have occurred stem largely from application or eligibility issues, according to official sources. Pakistan’s foreign ministry and media reports cite several common factors:

Document fraud or irregularities. Many rejected applications involve forged or invalid documents, such as fake academic degrees or bogus employment contracts. If a sponsoring employer or the applicant’s paperwork cannot be fully authenticated, the visa will be delayed or refused.

Incomplete or missing information. Applications that lack any required element (the new ticket/hotel proof, security deposit, etc.) are often held up. Islamabad stresses that failing to meet the pre-approval checklist results in immediate rejection.

Criminal or security concerns. UAE authorities have tightened background checks. Applicants must submit a police clearance certificate (showing no criminal record) for work visas. Cases involving prior criminal convictions, security alerts, or reports of misconduct (even in social media) attract extra scrutiny. Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE confirmed that many recent refusals were due to concerns over “document authenticity and criminal records” of some applicants.

Past immigration violations. Reports of Pakistani nationals overstaying visas or violating local laws in the Gulf have led to caution by UAE visa officials. Both governments note an effort to clamp down on illegal work and fraud in the labour market

These factors help explain why, for example, business travelers and skilled workers – who often need to submit extensive documentation – have been affected. Local Pakistani media quoted officials saying that some rejections were blamed (perhaps prematurely) on cultural misunderstandings or “lack of respect for local laws,” but both sides stress that the real issues are paperwork and compliance.

Government Dialogue and Response Efforts

The visa situation prompted high-level talks and cooperation. In July 2025, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Abu Dhabi to discuss the matter with his UAE counterparts. Pakistani and Emirati officials agreed “necessary steps” would be taken to facilitate visa issuance for Pakistani citizens, especially work visas. The UAE’s Interior Minister, Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, assured full support in expediting Pakistani applications. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistanis make up an important expatriate community and said, “We want Pakistani citizens to be able to come to the UAE easily”.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials have also raised the topic. In mid-July, Dar announced mutual visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders – meaning political and government travelers from both countries now need no visa between the UAE and Pakistan. While this measure covers officials rather than ordinary tourists or workers, it signals continued goodwill.

Domestically, Pakistani authorities are assisting applicants by issuing recommendation letters for legitimate travelers and engaging continuously with the UAE embassy. The Economic Times reports that the Pakistani government acknowledged a rise in UAE visa rejections (especially among businesspersons) and promised to push for resolution. Interior Minister Naqvi told business leaders he would raise every case with his UAE counterpart and work to resolve the problem.

On the UAE side, officials have clarified that the process is “normal” but heightened. For example, Pakistan’s ambassador noted in February 2025 that the UAE had not imposed a ban but was insisting on stricter vetting. Ultimately, both governments stress that the brotherly bilateral ties remain strong and that they are cooperating to smooth out the visa process.

Tips for Applicants and the Role of HR Agencies

For Pakistani nationals applying now, the key is preparation and compliance. Double-check that all new requirements are met: submit confirmed travel bookings, a recent visa deposit receipt, and fully attested documents. Be sure to obtain the mandatory police clearance certificate (no criminal record) for work visas, and have all degrees and contracts attested by the relevant Pakistani and UAE authorities. Any mismatch or missing document can cause a rejection.

If you face delays or denials, consider the following guidance:

• Work with a reputable travel agent or company sponsor who understands the new UAE rules and can ensure the correct submission of visa forms.
  
  

• Use official channels: the UAE Embassy in Islamabad and the consulates list authorized visa procedures. Avoid unauthorized or “faster-visa” scams, which have contributed to the UAE tightening rules.
  
  

• Continue liaison with Pakistan’s diplomats: in some cases, Pakistani applicants have used recommendation letters from their local Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist the process.
  
  

• Engage professional services if needed. Many companies now outsource visa processing to licensed PRO/HR firms. For example, Stallion HR Solutions – a Dubai-based recruitment and staffing firm – notes that outsourcing visa and payroll management to specialists can ease the compliance burden.  Skilled HR agencies help ensure all documents (Emirates ID, work permits, health insurance, etc.) are processed correctly under the new system.
  
  

Finally, stay updated on Pakistan-UAE visa news today. Government websites and major newspapers periodically publish visa advisories. Trusted outlets have recently emphasized that the UAE visa system remains open to Pakistanis, and any restrictions are due to the vetting of lawful applications.

In conclusion, the UAE visa delays for Pakistani nationals in 2025 are not the result of a geopolitical ban, but of strengthened immigration controls. Official sources confirm that the two countries are collaborating to clear any backlog. Applicants who prepare complete and genuine dossiers and comply with the updated requirements should still be able to travel or work in the UAE. With continued diplomatic efforts and careful planning, these visa challenges are expected to ease in time.