Pakistani travellers are encountering significant hurdles as rising UAE visa rejections increasingly leave them in a state of limbo. Travel agencies highlight a troubling trend where first-time and single-entry visa applications for Dubai now face rejection rates of 70 to 80 per cent. This heavily impacts individuals like marketing professional Nadeem, 28, whose applications were rejected twice, with his age cited as a factor.
Younger, single applicants are particularly affected, with single visas seeing approval rates as low as 20%, contrasting sharply with family visas, which boast around 80% acceptance. This disparity underscores a shift in application processing. SindhNews.com has extensively covered these challenges.
Explaining Rising UAE Visa Rejections
Official rationales for these rising UAE visa rejections vary. Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry confirmed there is no formal ban, yet Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri noted concerns about potential “criminal activities.” Former Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi pointed to issues with document authenticity and criminal records, alongside modern AI verification systems. Travel agents also cite insufficient funds or past overstays.
Despite these hurdles, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi announced in April that visa issues were resolved, offering a five-year visa option. Reforms include online processing and daily handling of nearly 500 visas at the new UAE Visa Centre.
Nonetheless, travellers like journalist Fatima Attarwala and professional Syed Abbas Raza Naqvi report continued rejections and a lack of transparency, leading to financial losses and persistent frustration. The journey for many Pakistani applicants remains fraught with uncertainty.