LAHORE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed stricter rules for Pakistani nationals applying for a visa to the Emirates.
According to travel agents, the UAE has made a minimum bank statement of PKR 1 million a compulsion for Pakistanis applying for visas.
According to Sadiq Sabir, a member of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) executive board, applicants must also provide a confirmed return ticket and hotel booking along with their visa applications.
Sabir revealed that the rejection rate for UAE visas has reportedly soared to 99 percent due to these stringent conditions.
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He further stated that approximately 2000 visa applications are submitted daily from Lahore alone, out of which 99 per cent are declined.
Applicants whose visas are rejected face financial losses ranging between AED 1,500 to AED 2,000, Sabir noted.
Additionally, he pointed out that visa application fees and hotel booking charges are non-refundable, adding to the financial burden of applicants.
The UAE has repeatedly rejected the impression that there is a ban on issuing visas to Pakistani nationals.
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has also recently refuted widespread claims circulating on social and mainstream media, stating that no specifics of a UAE visa ban for Pakistani nationals have been shared with the officials.
