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.

Opinion

Editorial

War & deception
Updated 09 Mar, 2026

War & deception

While there is little doubt that Iran is involved in many of the retaliatory attacks, the facts raise suspicions that another player may be at work.
The witness box
09 Mar, 2026

The witness box

IT is often the fear of the courtroom and what may transpire therein that drives many victims of crime, especially...
Asylum applications
09 Mar, 2026

Asylum applications

BRITAIN’S tough immigration posture has again drawn attention to the sharp rise in asylum claims by Pakistani...
Petrol shock
Updated 08 Mar, 2026

Petrol shock

With oil markets bracing for more volatility, more price shocks are inevitable in the coming weeks.
Women’s Day
08 Mar, 2026

Women’s Day

IT is a simple truth: societies progress when women are able to shape them. Yet the struggle for equality has never...
Rescuing hockey
08 Mar, 2026

Rescuing hockey

PAKISTAN hockey is back to where it should be. Years of misses came to an end on Friday with a long-awaited...