The UAE visa freeze has escalated concerns about Pakistan’s global mobility, highlighting rising crime fears, diplomatic friction, and tighter Gulf travel restrictions. For example, the Gulf nations have been worried about the increase in organised crime by foreign individuals, including Pakistanis, who enter the UAE. In response, the UAE has restricted visas for Pakistani citizens to Blue and Diplomatic passports, and an official letter submitted to the UAE Embassy in Islamabad stated that, due to concerns about those who misuse the temporary visit, the applicant could have difficulty removing the visitation restrictions.
This comes at a time when Gulf nations have been tightening their visa application process for many years due to the number of serious criminal incidents related to Pakistanis. Since many Pakistanis attempted to enter the UAE every year through Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it was only a matter of time before this type of scrutiny grew into a diplomatic issue as well.
Many Gulf nations, including the UAE, already had strict visa application procedures in place that prevented applicants from certain Pakistani provinces or cities. Because of this, visa refusals were issued to many Pakistani nationals based on the continuing issue of smuggling, trafficking, and fraud. Many applicants were also being deported back to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia due to these issues. As a result, there has been a growing number of individuals attempting to enter the Gulf region through irregular migration routes.
Why the UAE Visa Freeze and Gulf Travel Restrictions Are Linked to Rising Crime
Senators in Pakistan stated that the United Arab Emirates took action as complaints surrounding crime were increasing. According to officials, most offenders enter the UAE using visit visas. Officials also indicated that many people who enter the country later form part of networks of people begging throughout various cities. Senators confirmed that there have only been a limited number of visa approvals in recent months and that these approvals were granted after lengthy and complex procedures were completed. Pakistani officials are currently implementing reforms to make passport verification more effective.
The officials of Lahore and Islamabad have also digitized millions of records to eliminate the possibility of fraudulent issuance. Additionally, the Ambassador of the UAE presented plans for improved facilitation of visas from Islamabad, including e-visas and online processing improvements that will allow for more efficient management of travel flows and for the faster identification of applicants with clean records.“Saudi Arabia and Dubai were popular destinations, but have now stopped giving visas. “Most of the Pakistanis arrested abroad are involved in minor crimes.”
Caution and Cooperation are balanced within the relationship of the two nations. UAE Officials emphasize facilitating assistance only when elevated risks are downgraded. Pakistani Leadership seeks to advance through Reassurance and Reform through the Gulf Nations’ Leaders, allowing for facilitation and cooperation to grow.
How crime incidents further damage Pakistan’s global perception
A separate violent episode in Dubai added to deteriorating regional views. A Pakistani man is accused of assaulting Indian workers within a local bakery. The two workers died, and another suffered serious injuries. Following this incident, Pakistan suffered renewed criticism about its passports. The Henley index ranks Pakistan’s passport among the weakest in the world. Observers have noted that recurrent criminal activity continues to lower the rankings of Pakistan’s passport. Additionally, they state that increased perceptions of danger within a host country result in reduced mobility. As a result, Pakistan needs to deal with both diplomatic and law enforcement issues. The only way to restore confidence will be through continuous legal reform and regional cooperation.
For more- https://civiclens.in/category/international-news/
About the Author
