In a recent development, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Karachi, confirmed a visa ban on Pakistani citizens, attributing it to various complaints received over the past two months. During an interview with a private news channel on Monday, Dr. Remeithi explained the reasons behind this decision while refraining from disclosing specific figures.
Dr. Remeithi emphasized that social media activity plays a significant role in the UAE’s visa issuance process. He noted that the content shared or liked on social media platforms can influence visa decisions. “If someone is causing trouble on social media, why should we issue them a visa?” he questioned.
The Consul General highlighted that every country has its own laws and regulations. He condemned any actions that disrupt the UAE’s routine, stating that such disturbances affect daily life, including access to essential services like hospitals. He also pointed out that speaking against one’s own country and inciting unrest while in the UAE is both wrong and unfair.
Addressing concerns about visa numbers, Dr. Remeithi revealed that the UAE issued around 70,000 work visas and potentially several lakhs of tourist visas in the past year and a half. He advised applicants to thoroughly verify their documents to avoid issues with fake or duplicate verifications, even if it requires traveling to Pakistan for confirmation.
The UAE is home to approximately 1.7 million Pakistanis, making it the second-largest Pakistani expat community worldwide. According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, remittances from the UAE to Pakistan reached $2.55 billion in FY 2022, underscoring the significant economic contribution of the Pakistani workforce in various sectors, including banking, real estate, media, and insurance.
For further updates on this situation and related developments, stay tuned to our news channels.