UAE Visa Ban on Pakistanis: Begging & Crime Surge Sparks Major Crackdown – What’s Next?

November 27, 2025 – In a shocking move, the United Arab Emirates has halted visa issuance for Pakistani citizens, citing a sharp rise in begging and criminal activities. The ban, affecting hundreds of thousands of job seekers and travelers, is a major blow to Pakistan’s Gulf diaspora. With over 800,000 Pakistanis applying for UAE visas annually, this crackdown could reshape migration patterns and remittances worth billions.

Why the Sudden Ban? The Begging & Crime Crisis

Pakistani Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry revealed the decision during a Senate Human Rights Committee meeting. He explained that UAE authorities are concerned about Pakistanis entering on visit visas (not work visas) and then engaging in illegal activities like begging, smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig echoed this, noting that the UAE views these incidents as a national security issue. Once imposed, such bans are tough to reverse, Chaudhry warned, urging Pakistani officials to address the root causes urgently.

Impact on Pakistanis: From Job Dreams to Travel Nightmares

• Job Seekers Hit Hard: UAE is a top destination for Pakistani workers in construction, hospitality, and services. Over 1.7 million Pakistanis live there, sending home $5 billion+ in remittances yearly.
• Family Visits Blocked: Even short trips for tourism or family reunions are now impossible for regular passport holders.
• Diplomatic Exceptions: Only elite blue and diplomatic passports get approvals – after “much difficulty,” as per Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri.
• Economic Ripple: Reduced migration could hurt Pakistan’s economy, already strained by inflation and job shortages.

Not the First Time – A Pattern of Gulf Crackdowns

This isn’t isolated. In December 2024, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations banned visas from 30 Pakistani cities due to similar issues. Podcaster Nadir Ali shared his own struggle: “I faced great difficulty even for the IIFA Awards. Saudi Arabia has warned Pakistan about rising beggar cases.”

Gulf countries like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are magnets for millions of Pakistanis seeking better lives. But repeated scandals – from fake job rackets to organized begging rings – have eroded trust.

Government Steps: Character Certificates & Beyond

To combat this, UAE made police character certificates mandatory for visa applicants earlier. Pakistan’s government is now pushing for stricter pre-departure checks and awareness campaigns to curb misuse of visit visas.

Senator Zehri highlighted the human cost: “Only a handful get visas after much difficulty.” Experts call for bilateral talks to restore access while addressing crime roots like poverty and unemployment back home.

What This Means for Pakistan-UAE Ties

UAE is Pakistan’s largest Middle East trading partner, with deep economic and cultural links. The ban strains these relations, potentially affecting investments and labor flows. For Pakistanis, it’s a stark reminder: Gulf opportunities come with responsibility.

Positive note? It could spark reforms – better job training, anti-trafficking laws, and ethical migration policies.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Change

This visa halt isn’t just policy – it’s a symptom of deeper issues. As Pakistan navigates this setback, the focus must shift to empowering citizens with skills and opportunities at home. Until then, Gulf dreams remain on hold for many.

Stay tuned for updates – will talks lift the ban soon?

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