UAE halts new visas to citizens of 13 states including Pakistan amid security concerns, report

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), has reportedly halted the issuance of visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim states amid security concerns.

According to the news source visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, have been halted according to a document issued by a state-owned business park.

A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that the document stated, applications for new employment and visit visas had been suspended for nationals – those outside the UAE – of 13 countries that also included Somalia, Libya, and Yemen until further notice.

The ban also applies to citizens of Algeria, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Turkey, it said.

The document cited an immigration circular that came into effect on Nov. 18 was reportedly sent to companies operating in the park and seen by Reuters.

However, there has been no statement issued by UAE officials.

Earlier in the week, the Consulate General of Pakistan in  Dubai had advised Pakistanis residing in the United Arab Emirates to be careful on social media and to abide by the social media laws of their host country.

On November 18, UAE had temporarily suspended the issuance of visit visas to a dozen countries, including Pakistan, until further notice it emerged on Wednesday.

The confirmation was made by the Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri.

“We have learned that the UAE has temporarily suspended the issuance of new visit visas until further announcement for 12 countries, including Pakistan,” Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said.