The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly frozen visa issuance for Pakistanis, hitting exports and disrupting international trade activities, business leaders have warned. Speaking on the issue, Ismail Suttar, Founder and Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, said the UAE is currently not issuing visas to Pakistani citizens under any category, creating serious challenges for exporters, traders and business delegations. He said the reasons behind the restrictions had not been officially communicated, leaving the business community uncertain about future commercial exchanges with one of Pakistan's key trading partners.
"We sent a letter to the consul general of the UAE on June 11 and followed up on July 7, but there has been no progress so far," said a Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) member. Most businessmen have established setups in Dubai, including long-standing corporate offices that have been operating for years. However, they now face severe travel restrictions, with visa applications being rejected across the board.
Even established business owners of 30 years, whose immediate families reside there, are seeing visa denials for visiting family members, including parents and siblings. "This has become a major issue concerning Dubai, which is why we formally raised the matter with the UAE consul general," he said on condition of anonymity. Suttar said the visa uncertainty was already affecting business planning for the upcoming Gulfood exhibition, scheduled for early next year in Dubai.
Many Pakistani food companies are unlikely to participate because they fear their sales teams will not secure visas. "When sales representatives cannot obtain visas, companies cannot showcase products, meet buyers or explore new export opportunities," he said. He warned that continued restrictions could undermine Pakistan's export expansion efforts in regional and global markets, he warned.
Shahid Anwar, former secretary general of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), said the visa environment for Pakistani citizens travelling to the Middle East presented a mixed picture. While several Gulf countries introduced encouraging measures, Pakistani businesses continue to report significant visa challenges in others. This divergence, he said, called for greater diplomatic engagement and closer coordination…
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