November 28, 2025: The United Arab Emirates has tightened visa rules for Pakistani citizens after Saudi Arabia deported hundreds of Pakistanis caught begging. The move comes amid growing concerns over rising criminal cases linked to foreign visitors, sparking debate across South Asia and the Gulf region.
UAE Tightens Visa Rules for Pakistanis
According to officials, the UAE has restricted visa issuance to Pakistani nationals, allowing only holders of diplomatic and government “blue” passports.
Millions of ordinary citizens with green passports are now excluded from most categories of visas. Reports suggest that the UAE even considered a near-complete ban before settling on tighter restrictions.
This follows Saudi Arabia’s decision earlier this month to send back dozens of Pakistanis arrested for begging in Mecca and Medina.
Stats Highlight Growing Concerns
Data presented to Pakistan’s Senate Committee revealed that more than 1,200 Pakistani nationals were deported from Saudi Arabia in the past six months for begging and related offenses.
In the UAE, officials cited a surge in unlawful activities, including fraud and petty crimes, as justification for the crackdown. The restrictions could impact thousands of families who rely on Gulf employment opportunities, with remittances from the UAE alone exceeding $3 billion annually.
Government and Public Response
Pakistani officials acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry told lawmakers, “The UAE has stopped issuing most categories of visas to Pakistani passport holders, and only diplomatic and blue passport holders are being approved.” He added that the decision was linked to “criminal activities and misuse of visit visas.”
Senator Sameena Mumtaz Zehri, who heads the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, said, “The UAE and Saudi Arabia have taken these steps because many Pakistani citizens were getting involved in criminal activities. This is a wake-up call for our government to address the root causes.”
Impact on Travel and Employment
The restrictions are expected to affect thousands of Pakistani workers seeking jobs in the UAE. Travel agencies reported a sharp decline in visa applications, while families expressed concern about losing access to one of the most lucrative labor markets in the region. According to The Economic Times, the UAE’s decision reflects broader efforts to curb illegal activities and maintain public order.
As Gulf nations tighten immigration rules, Pakistan faces mounting pressure to regulate its overseas workforce and prevent further reputational damage. The developments highlight the growing link between migration, employment, and security in the region.
