UAE assures ‘full cooperation’ in visa facilitation for Pakistanis

ABU DHABI: United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan has assured “full cooperation” in seamless facilitation of visas for Pakistani citizens, especially work visas.

He gave this assurance during his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Abu Dhabi, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Pakistani nationals have been denied UAE visas — particularly work visas — for over a year, affecting the Pakistani labour force, which relies on employment in the Middle East to earn a decent livelihood and send valuable foreign exchange back to their families and the country.

In November last year, the UAE government shared official documents with Pakistani authorities explaining the reasons behind imposing a visa ban on Pakistani nationals.

The documents reveal plethora of causes, ranging from criminal activities to unsuitable social media posts. The UAE government’s cabinet reviewed complaints against Pakistani nationals and decided to impose a visa ban on the citizens of the country, documents revealed.

According to the ministry, Naqvi is visiting the UAE with the aim of resolving visa-related issues, as well as enhancing bilateral cooperation in technology, security, anti-narcotics, anti-smuggling, and immigration.

Upon his arrival at the UAE Ministry of Interior, Naqvi was warmly welcomed and presented with a guard of honour.

وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی دورہ متحدہ عر ب امارات
وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی ابوظہبی میں یو اے ای کے نائب وزیر اعظم و وزیر داخلہ لیفٹیننٹ جنرل شیخ سیف بن زید النہیان سے ملاقات
یو اے ای وزارت داخلہ آمد پر وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کا پرتپاک استقبال۔ گارڈ آف آنر پیش کیا گیا pic.twitter.com/9cwBft73qs

— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) July 11, 2025

During their meeting, Naqvi and Al Nahyan discussed the visa issues being faced by Pakistani citizens for the UAE. “It was also mutually agreed to ensure necessary steps to facilitate visas for Pakistani citizens, especially work visas,” the ministry said, adding, “the UAE Minister of Interior assured full cooperation in this regard.”

Naqvi told his counterpart that a large number of Pakistanis are playing a key role in strengthening the UAE’s economy. “We want to Pakistani citizens to be able to come to the UAE easily and easing visa policies will greatly benefit them,” he said.

Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in security, anti-narcotics, anti-smuggling, and the prevention of illegal immigration, as well as the exchange of technology. “He [Naqvi] emphasized that Pakistan desires to expand cooperation with UAE in all areas,” the statement added.

Besides, the historic relations between the two friendly nations were also discussed with renewal of the commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors. “The fraternal relations with the UAE are a valuable asset for every Pakistani,” Naqvi said.

Both leaders also emphasized the importance of leveraging modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to address security challenges.

Moreover, regional issues and sustainable peace in the region were also discussed.

Mohsin Naqvi also visited the modern policing and operations room of Abu Dhabi for crime prevention and public safety. UAE officials briefed him about the monitoring operations room.

He expressed keen interest in the advanced police monitoring system and praised the UAE’s policing model.

Major General Salem Ali Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Interior, Major General Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police, Brigadier Engineer Hussein Ahmed, Director General of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Security, Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Federal Anti-Narcotics Department, Pakistani Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Deputy Head of Mission and other senior officials were also present.