ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates has firmly rejected reports suggestinga visa ban on Pakistani nationals, terming such claims entirely baseless.
Speaking exclusively to Geo News on Thursday, UAE Consul General in KarachiBakheet Ateeq Alremeithi said every category of visa was being processednormally.
He described recent media reports of visa denials as “completely false” andemphasised that no restrictions had been imposed on Pakistani applicants.
The Karachi consulate has recorded an unprecedented surge in visaapplications over the past few weeks, marking the highest demand in threeyears.
Certain visa categories now require appointments booked more than one monthin advance due to the overwhelming rush, the envoy disclosed.
Alremeithi’s clarification follows remarks by Additional Interior SecretarySalman Chaudhry during a Senate Functional Committee on Human Rightsbriefing.
The Pakistani official had informed senators that the UAE and Saudi Arabiahad nearly imposed a ban on the Pakistani passport.
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He claimed the passport had “narrowly escaped” such a measure, triggeringconcern among lawmakers and the public alike.
The consul general’s statement directly contradicts the interior ministry’sassertion and is expected to ease growing anxiety among Pakistanitravellers and workers.
Thousands of Pakistanis visit the UAE annually for employment, tourism,medical treatment and family visits.
Source:www.geo.tv/latest/578942-uae-consul-general-refutes-reports-of-visa-ban-on-pakistanis”>https://www.geo.tv/latest/578942-uae-consul-general-refutes-reports-of-visa-ban-on-pakistanis
