Summary The decision marks a significant improvement in visa processing, particularly for families whose applications had previously faced extended scrutiny and delays
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani citizens applying through registered travel agents, easing months of uncertainty and lengthy processing delays for applicants.
According to travel industry representatives and an official at the UAE Embassy, the decision marks a significant improvement in visa processing, particularly for families whose applications had previously faced extended scrutiny and delays.
The UAE is home to nearly 1.8 million Pakistanis, making it one of the largest overseas destinations for Pakistani expatriates. The latest move is expected to facilitate family visits and boost travel between the two countries.
Travel executives said the biggest relief has come for families, with visa applications now being processed more efficiently and decisions being issued in a shorter timeframe.
Muhammad Nadeem Sharif, Chief Executive of Aroma Travels and former chairman of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan, said the UAE Embassy in Pakistan has started issuing visit visas to Pakistani tourists travelling with their families, describing the development as a positive step.
He added that applicants travelling with family members or joining relatives already residing in the UAE are now receiving timely responses. Sharif also noted that tourism promotion campaigns have resumed, while passenger traffic is gradually recovering following recent regional tensions.
Meanwhile, a senior Pakistani immigration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Arab News that the number of daily passengers travelling from Pakistan to Dubai increased from around 170 earlier this summer to nearly 400 by the final week of July, reflecting a steady recovery in travel demand.
