ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic development, UAE Assures Easier Visa Process for Pakistani Citizens, with a special focus on easing the process for work permits and residency visas.
The assurance came during an official visit by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who met with UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi this week.
Minister Naqvi received a warm welcome at the UAE Ministry of Interior headquarters, where he was presented with a guard of honor before engaging in high-level talks with senior UAE officials.
Focus on Easing Visa Policies
Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi underlined Pakistan’s keen interest in ensuring smoother travel and employment opportunities for its citizens in the UAE — home to one of the largest overseas Pakistani communities in the world.
“We want Pakistani citizens to come to the UAE with ease. Relaxation in visa policies will bring great relief,” Naqvi told the UAE leadership, highlighting that thousands of Pakistani workers and professionals depend on hassle-free visa processing.
In response, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured full support and reiterated the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in facilitating the legal movement of people and labor force.
Cooperation in Security and Technology
Beyond immigration, both sides reaffirmed cooperation in key areas including security, anti-narcotics, and anti-smuggling operations. The discussions covered plans to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology to counter new security challenges and criminal activities.
During the visit, Minister Naqvi toured the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi Police operations and monitoring center, where he was briefed on the city’s cutting-edge surveillance, emergency response, and crime prevention systems. Impressed by the technological advancements, Naqvi expressed interest in exploring similar solutions for Pakistan’s urban centers.
High-Level Delegation
Key figures who attended the bilateral meetings included Major General Salem Ali Al Shamsi, Major General Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Brigadier Engineer Hussain Ahmed, Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, and other senior diplomats from both countries.
Minister Naqvi called the UAE-Pakistan relationship a “brotherly bond and a national asset”, praising the UAE leadership for their continued support to Pakistani expatriates and for their willingness to expand cooperation across multiple domains.
What It Means for Pakistanis
The UAE’s assurance comes as a welcome relief for many Pakistani workers and families who rely on clear and timely visa processes to live and work in the Gulf nation. Pakistan remains one of the top countries in terms of labor export to the UAE, with remittances from the region playing a vital role in Pakistan’s economy.
Authorities say further consultations will take place to turn this assurance into practical steps that could include streamlining documentation, faster processing times, and potentially new categories for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Stay tuned for more updates on UAE visa facilitation for Pakistani citizens, as both countries aim to turn this diplomatic promise into practical relief for thousands of families.
