In a high-level diplomatic meeting on Wednesday, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) addressed the pressing issue of visa processing for Pakistani nationals. The UAE assured Pakistan that it is taking steps to expedite the visa process for its citizens.
The discussions took place when UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zaabi met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, at the Foreign Office. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement highlighting the focus on enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and Ambassador Al Zaabi also discussed visa issues for Pakistani nationals. The ambassador briefed the deputy prime minister on the steps being taken to streamline the visa processes, including augmenting human resources. These steps will cut the delays and expedite the visa processing,” the Foreign Office stated after the meeting.
The issue of visa delays or rejections for Pakistanis has been a topic of concern, with Islamabad consistently denying reports of a UAE visa ban. During regular media briefings at the Foreign Office, the topic of UAE visas and the large number of Pakistanis in UAE jails has been raised. However, the spokeswoman has rejected claims of a visa ban or new restrictions by the UAE, emphasizing that visa issuance is a sovereign decision of the UAE.
The Foreign Office did not confirm whether the issue of Pakistanis in UAE jails was discussed during the meeting between Ishaq Dar and Ambassador Al Zaabi. Reports suggest that many of these jailed Pakistanis were involved in illegal activities in the UAE. Previously, when questioned about the reported 5,000 Pakistanis in UAE jails, the Foreign Office spokeswoman stated she could not verify these figures.
In a separate meeting, the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, also met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. They discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
