UAE Consul General Unveils Issues Hindering Pakistani Visa Applications, revealing key factors affecting approval.
Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Karachi, has shed light on factors that may affect Pakistani citizens’ ability to obtain visas to the Gulf nation.
He emphasized the importance of digital behavior, noting, “Regardless of the social media platform you use, whether in Pakistan or the UAE, everything you share or like leaves a digital footprint. These actions, whether positive or negative, can lead to a ban or visa rejection.”
This statement comes after Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi recently refuted claims of visa restrictions for Pakistanis by the UAE, following reports of difficulties faced by residents of Sindh in acquiring visas.
The UAE has issued a stern warning to Pakistani expatriates against spreading misinformation about the country, its institutions, or its leaders. Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi confirmed that several Pakistanis have been arrested for such activities, with five individuals receiving sentences of 14 to 15 years in prison.
Last month, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Arshad briefed the Senate Standing Committee on the challenges facing Pakistanis abroad. He highlighted concerns regarding the Pakistani diaspora’s work ethics and revealed that Pakistanis are responsible for 50% of the total crime in the UAE.
Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi elaborated on the UAE’s concerns and policies related to visa issuance, stressing that unrest from home countries should not spill over into the UAE. “People work round the clock here. Blocking roads and spreading misinformation are not part of the UAE’s culture, and our laws do not permit this,” he stated.
He further advised the Pakistani diaspora to avoid bringing political issues into the UAE and to be mindful of their social media activity, which is scrutinized by UAE authorities. “Every individual represents their country. Be cautious about your digital footprint,” he warned.
When asked if social media accounts such as Instagram, Facebook, and X could impact visa issuance, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi confirmed, “Yes, absolutely.”
He urged Pakistani citizens to enjoy their lives in the UAE, focusing on leisure and family activities rather than engaging in contentious discussions.
Contrary to some beliefs, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi reassured that there are no limits or restrictions on visa issuance for Pakistanis. “We have facilitated many people and continue to issue visas to those traveling to the UAE,” he said, adding, “Pakistanis are great people, and we hold them in high regard.”
Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi also praised Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem for bringing pride to Pakistan, particularly in the lead-up to Independence Day.
When questioned about a possible visa quota, the consul general denied any fixed limits, revealing that the UAE has issued 70,000 work visas to Pakistanis over the past year and a half.
He also assured that the Pakistani business community is being supported in the UAE and encouraged Pakistani youth to pursue careers in information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), and medicine, highlighting the many opportunities available in these fields.
Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi concluded by inviting Pakistani citizens to reach out directly to UAE authorities for visa services and document verification, even without an appointment.
