The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will issue five-year visas to 100,000 Pakistani citizens, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi announced Wednesday during a meeting with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Express News reported.
The ambassador assured that applicants would receive a “red carpet” welcome and respectful treatment at visa centres.
“We will honour the applicants and provide full cooperation at the visa centre,” said Ambassador Al-Zaabi, adding that the UAE looks forward to strengthening ties with Pakistan through this initiative.
Earlier in the day, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori was warmly received at the UAE Consulate in Karachi. He toured the visa centre, where the ambassador briefed him on the facilities and operations.
Speaking to media after the visit, Governor Sindh expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown by the UAE officials. “I was welcomed on a red carpet — a gesture of their affection,” he said.
He also thanked the UAE government for the services and support provided at the consulate’s visa centre and noted the UAE’s active interest in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) initiative.
A day earlier, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi during a meeting with Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori announced that Pakistani citizens can now apply for five-year visas to the United Arab Emirates.
The announcement follows confirmation from the UAE authorities that no visa ban exists for Pakistani nationals.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE’s new five-year visa policy requires applicants to submit return tickets, hotel reservations, proof of property ownership if applicable, and a deposit of AED3,000.
