UAE Suspends Visas for Pakistani Passport Holders – 21,000 Pakistanis Still Jailed Abroad
The Government of Pakistan has confirmed a major development that has raised widespread concern among overseas jobseekers and families relying on employment in the Gulf. The Ministry of Interior, during a detailed briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, revealed that the United Arab Emirates UAE Suspends Visas for ordinary Pakistani passport holders, allowing visa approvals only for diplomatic and blue passport categories.
The revelation sparked immediate debate, as the UAE is among the most important destinations for overseas Pakistani workers, who contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign remittances each year.
UAE Stops Visas for Ordinary Pakistanis: What the Ministry Told the Senate
According to officials from the Ministry of Interior, the UAE is currently not issuing visit or employment visas to regular Pakistani citizens. Only individuals holding diplomatic passports, official passports, or special blue passports are being granted entry.
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Officials further warned that while the ban has not yet been formally labelled as a “passport restriction,” Pakistan narrowly escaped a situation where a complete travel embargo might have been placed on its passport. They added that if such a restriction had formally taken effect, lifting it would have been extremely difficult.
This disclosure has raised alarm bells, as thousands of Pakistanis seek UAE visas every month for employment, family visits, business opportunities, and tourism.
21,647 Pakistanis Imprisoned in 61 Countries Worldwide
The briefing included a disturbing statistic: more than 21,000 Pakistanis are currently imprisoned across 61 countries.
A majority of these cases involve:
- Overstay violations
- Identity document fraud
- Bank fraud
- Minor immigration-related offences
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the committee that Pakistani missions abroad now maintain 90% data accuracy for overseas prisoners. Many countries, especially in the Gulf region, traditionally release prisoners convicted of minor offences on public holidays such as Eid, providing some relief to the families waiting back home.
Over 500,000 Afghan Nationals Used Pakistani Passports Abroad
One of the most alarming revelations made during the committee session was that over 500,000 Afghan nationals have travelled abroad using Pakistani passports in the past.
Some of these individuals also used the fake Pakistani identity to commit crimes in foreign countries, which then resulted in reputational damage for Pakistan internationally.
To counter this issue, the Ministry of Interior stated that NADRA has now fully digitized all identity records and taken steps to ensure that no foreign national can obtain a Pakistani ID or passport through fraudulent means.
Overseas Employment Crisis: 93% of Pakistani Workforce Goes to Gulf Countries
The Senate committee was informed that Pakistan’s overseas workforce relies heavily on the Gulf region:
- 93% of Pakistanis going abroad for work choose Gulf states
- Nearly 800,000 Pakistanis are currently working as labourers in Gulf countries
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia remain the two most crucial job markets for Pakistani workers
This makes the UAE visa suspension even more damaging, as thousands of families depend on remittances from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.
Officials also pointed out that some districts in Punjab are facing a sharp increase in human smuggling networks, where illegal agents charge youth between Rs. 4.3 million to Rs. 5 million and send them abroad through dangerous land and sea routes.
Senators Express Deep Concern Over Rising Human Smuggling
Committee Chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri expressed grave concern over the surge in human trafficking cases.
She noted that:
- Public awareness campaigns are almost nonexistent
- Airports and major cities lack visible warnings about illegal travel routes
- Young people are being targeted by organized smuggling groups
- Families are losing their life savings trying to send their children abroad
The committee has now instructed relevant institutions to immediately launch nationwide awareness campaigns against illegal immigration.
Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan: Startling Findings Shared
During the same meeting, the committee also reviewed the status of gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistan. Senator Sherry Rehman informed the committee that:
- 70% of GBV cases never get reported
- Among reported cases, the conviction rate in rape cases is just 5%
- In domestic violence cases, convictions are as low as 0.1%
She expressed concern that despite the establishment of 480 specialised GBV courts, justice remains slow, inaccessible, and difficult for women in vulnerable situations.
What the UAE Visa Suspension Means for Pakistan
The current suspension of UAE visas for ordinary Pakistani passport holders could have:
1. Economic Impact
A major decline in overseas employment opportunities would reduce remittances, affecting Pakistan’s already struggling economy.
2. Increase in Illegal Migration
With official channels blocked, desperate jobseekers may turn to smugglers, putting lives at severe risk.
3. Diplomatic Challenges
Pakistan will need to engage in deeper diplomatic dialogue with the UAE to resolve concerns related to:
- Identity fraud
- Criminal misuse of Pakistani passports
- Illegal activities by foreigners posing as Pakistanis
4. Public Confidence Issues
The news may weaken public trust in the passport system and immigration management.
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Government Urged to Take Immediate Action
The committee has instructed:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate with UAE authorities
- The Ministry of Interior to tighten identity verification
- FIA to accelerate crackdowns on human smugglers
- NADRA to ensure no foreign national can misuse the Pakistani passport
Improved consular support for overseas Pakistanis was also highlighted as an urgent requirement, especially for those imprisoned abroad.
Conclusion – UAE suspends visas for Pakistani passport holders 2025
The UAE’s decision to suspend visas for ordinary Pakistani passport holders represents a significant warning sign for Pakistan’s foreign policy and labour-export strategy. With over 21,000 Pakistanis jailed abroad, rising illegal migration, widespread identity fraud, and the economic dependence on Gulf remittances, this situation demands immediate diplomatic engagement and strict domestic reforms.
The government has assured the Senate committee that steps are being taken to restore confidence in Pakistan’s passport and to strengthen the protection of overseas Pakistanis. However, a coordinated national effort is required to ensure that millions of families depending on overseas income do not suffer further setbacks.
