Pakistani citizens are now eligible to apply for five-year visas to the United Arab Emirates, as announced by UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi during a meeting with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori on Tuesday. This announcement took place at the Governor House in Karachi, where the ambassador was accompanied by UAE Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi.

During the meeting, Ambassador Al Zaabi invited Governor Tessori to visit the UAE visa center located in Karachi, showing his support for the governor’s development initiatives. The ambassador participated in a tree plantation drive and attended a flag-hoisting ceremony, where he signed the guest book, describing the event as a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations.

This visa announcement follows confirmation from UAE authorities that there is currently no visa ban on Pakistani nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the new five-year visa policy requires applicants to provide return tickets, hotel reservations, proof of property ownership if applicable, and a deposit of AED3 000.

Pakistani applicants have faced increased scrutiny in recent years due to concerns regarding fake documents, visa overstays, and inappropriate use of social media. In response, the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has raised these issues with UAE authorities to facilitate a smoother application process for its citizens.