Forgery, begging, crime among reasons for UAE visa ban on Pakistanis: report

An official document highlighted the key reasons behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government's decision to impose a visa ban on Pakistani nationals, with evidence of involvement in begging, forgery, and other criminal activities as the primary factors leading to these restrictions.

The document outlined online criticism of the UAE government's policies, political protests, and allegations of forgery involving passports and identity documents.

Evidence of such activities, along with a higher proportion of complaints against Pakistani citizens compared to other nationalities, reportedly prompted the restrictions.

Local authorities shared their concerns with the Pakistani ambassador, presenting documentary evidence and raising alarms over the situation.

The UAE cabinet discussed these issues in a meeting before deciding on the visa restrictions, which were based on complaints against some Pakistani citizens.

The official documents alleged that Pakistani nationals have been involved in activities considered criminal under UAE law, including protests, criticism of government policies on social media, and misuse of online platforms, all of which the UAE believes tarnish its image.

The report also pointed out allegations of altered national identity cards and passports by some Pakistani individuals, alongside other criminal offenses such as theft, embezzlement, begging, prostitution, and drug-related crimes.

The rate of such incidents involving Pakistanis is reportedly higher than among other expatriates.

The UAE authorities conveyed these concerns to the Pakistani ambassador, emphasising that the decision to impose visa restrictions followed deliberations at the highest levels of the UAE government.

The visa ban is expected to impact thousands of laborers and professionals working in the UAE, as well as their families. Affected individuals have urged the government to address the issue with the UAE as a matter of urgent priority.