UAE suspends issuance of visit visas to 12 countries including Pakistan

The United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended the issuance of visit visas to a dozen countries, including Pakistan, until further notice it emerged on Wednesday.

The confirmation comes from Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri.

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

“The decision by the UAE authorities is believed to be related to the second wave of Covid-19.”

“We are seeking official confirmation from the concerned UAE authorities in this regard,” he said.

FO spokesperson also clarified that the suspension will not apply to visas that have already been issued.

“We are seeking official confirmation from the UAE authorities in this regard,” he added.

According to media reports, the other countries barred from the issuance of visit visa by the UAE government include Turkey, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Libya, Kenya and Afghanistan.

All airlines have been informed about the decision.

However, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, said that written instructions had not been issued to the airline so far.

He added that people holding iqama, transit and work visas were still allowed entry in the UAE.