The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs of United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied media reports that it has temporarily stopped issuing visit visas to Pakistan, Khaleej Times reported on Wednesday.
The denial came after local news channel, Geo News, reported that the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs has issued a notification suspending issuance of UAE visas for Pakistanis.
“The ministry and immigration of UAE has temporarily suspended issuance of UAE visa for Pakistanis. Those who have visa already can travel,” the report had claimed.
The rumour was also picked up by the mainstream Pakistani media.
Geo News quoted officials of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), who said the visa service has been suspended until further notice.
No particular detail has been provided for the visa rejection, the report said, quoting the chairman of the association, Naeem Sharif.
It also quoted TAAP Vice Chairman Nadeem Sharif as having said that this was a temporary arrangement, adding that he believes the service would resume from the start of the New Year.
He said that the visa restrictions had been imposed for Pakistanis only, as around 300,000 Pakistanis are already in Dubai on visit visas.
However, the UAE officials told Khaleej Times that “the situation is normal”.
“Visitors are advised not to fall for rumours and always verify news with official UAE/Dubai government agencies,” the official statement said.