Pakistan’s Ambassador to United Arab Emirates (UAE), Shafqat Ali Khan, on Friday denied the reports saying that the Gulf country had suspended the issuance of 96 and 48-hour transit visas for the Pakistani nationals.
Responding to a query by a media house, the ambassador said the reports were “not true,” dismissing social media claims of a temporary suspension.
The short-term transit visas are supported by the UAE and its two airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways.
These visas need approval before the travellers enter the UAE. According to official information, if passengers arrive in the airport without visa on arrival or visa-free entry and wish to get out of airport, they must arranged pre-transit visa.
In past days, some social media users shared screenshots that UAE immigration had suspended the transit visas of Pakistani nationals for 96 and 48 hours only. Others cited an alleged “notice” of the reported suspension.
Past Visa Concerns
Visa-related issues between Pakistan and the UAE have arisen many times in the last year.
In January 2025, Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig told a Senate committee that certain UAE visas had been “unofficially closed.”
He replied the UAE had concerns about some Pakistani visitors overstaying or begging. However, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada made it clear at the time that there were no restrictions on work visas.
In April, the UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi stated that visa issues had been sorted out and the Pakistanis could apply for five years.
Yet two months later, in July, visa refusals made Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raise the matter with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan to assure cooperation on expediting visas.
Later on, contrary statements were made by Pakistani and UAE officials about visa facilitation reforms.
Pre-Immigration Clearance Plan
Last month, the two countries agreed to seek a formal ‘pre-immigration clearance’ arrangement.
Under the proposed system, immigration formalities would be carried out in Pakistan before departure, so that processing requirements when arriving in the UAE are reduced.
Also read: UAE to resume work visas for Pakistanis soon
