UAE assures Pakistan of faster visa processing after addressing concerns

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has assured Pakistan of expediting the visa processing system for its nationals, addressing delays and improving efficiency. The development was discussed during a high-level meeting between UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zaabi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office on Wednesday.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the two sides held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and resolving visa-related concerns for Pakistani nationals. Ambassador Al Zaabi informed Dar of measures being implemented to streamline the visa process, including the addition of human resources to reduce delays.

Recent media reports highlighting delays or rejections of UAE visa applications for Pakistani nationals had raised concerns, though Islamabad consistently denied claims of a visa ban. The Foreign Office reaffirmed that granting visas remains the sovereign right of the issuing country, and no new restrictions had been placed on Pakistani applicants.

The issue of Pakistani prisoners in UAE jails, reportedly numbering in the thousands, was not disclosed as part of the meeting’s agenda. In the past, the Foreign Office had avoided confirming exact figures but acknowledged the presence of Pakistanis involved in illegal activities in the UAE.

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