The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday denied rumours that it was suspending the issuance of visas to Pakistani applicants until the end of the year.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GRDFA) said that “visitors from Pakistan are welcome to enter Dubai after obtaining a visa”. The directorate also advised visitors not to fall for rumours and always verify news with official UAE/Dubai government agencies.
The rumours surfaced after a fake notice allegedly issued by GDRFA began making the rounds on social media.
“The ministry and immigration of UAE have temporarily suspended issuance of UAE visa for Pakistanis. Those who have a visa already can travel,” the fake notice said.
The development was also reported by local media outlets, which quoted officials from the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan as saying that the UAE government is rejecting visit visa applications submitted by Pakistanis. The officials claimed the restriction was a ‘temporary arrangement’ and that the service would resume with the beginning of 2018.
The GDRFA, however, rubbished the reports saying that the “situation is normal”.
