Islamabad - Pakistan's Ministry of Interior has officially dismissed widespread social media rumors claiming that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a visa ban or initiated mass deportations of Pakistani nationals. The government has labeled the reports as malicious propaganda aimed at damaging the fraternal ties between the two nations.
Contrary to false claims circulating online, the UAE continues to process visas for Pakistani citizens. The Ministry of Interior clarified that any deportations occurring are "routine" and based on individual violations of host country laws, such as overstaying visas, rather than a blanket policy targeting Pakistan.
Indian media and operatives have been identified as key drivers of this disinformation campaign. Official sources state that a coordinated effort is underway to fabricate stories of strained diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi. This is seen as part of a broader strategy to damage Pakistan's global standing and sabotage its regional relationships, particularly its deep-rooted economic and military cooperation with Gulf states.
The viral rumors have been specifically contradicted by both Pakistani and UAE officials. A senior official at the UAE Embassy in Pakistan has publicly stated there is no visa ban on Pakistani citizens. Furthermore, a newly opened UAE visa center in Pakistan is currently processing nearly 500 visas daily.
A suspension of flights by the airline Flydubai has been misinterpreted as evidence of diplomatic friction. Flydubai suspended operations to Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar until October 26 due to "operational reasons." Industry experts link this reduction in schedules to a global jet fuel crisis and rising operational costs following the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran, rather than any political dispute.
Instead of a ban, the UAE is actively facilitating easier access for Pakistani travelers. The UAE has introduced major reforms, including online visa applications and e-visas without passport stamping. The two nations are also finalizing a "pre-immigration clearance" agreement that will allow Pakistani passengers to complete immigration formalities before departure, bypassing queues upon arrival in the UAE.
A significant number of Pakistanis continue to live and work in the UAE without systemic interference. Over 1.5 million Pakistanis reside in the UAE, sending remittances that are vital to Pakistan's economy. Official sources confirm that Pakistanis are still receiving work, visit, and transit visas, directly debunking claims that they are no longer welcome in the Emirates
