The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday denied rumours that it was suspending the issuance of visas to Pakistani applicants until the end of the year, Khaleej Times reported.

The rumours surfaced after a fake notice allegedly issued by the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) began making rounds on social media.

"The ministry and immigration of UAE has temporarily suspended issuance of UAE visa for Pakistanis. Those who already have visa can travel," the fake notice said.

The development was also reported by local media outlets, which quoted officials from the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan as saying that the UAE government is rejecting visit visa applications submitted by Pakistanis.

The officials claimed the restriction was a 'temporary arrangement' and that the service would resume with the beginning of 2018.

The GDRFA, however, rubbished the reports saying that the "situation is normal".

"Visitors from Pakistan are welcome to enter Dubai after obtaining a visa," the GDRFA told Khaleej Times.

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