"Serious Challenge": Pakistan's Business Community Claims Silent Visa Ban By UAE
Pakistani business leaders report a 'silent visa ban' by the UAE, claiming that visa applications are being frozen despite official denials from Emirati authorities. This disruption is causing significant losses for exporters and preventing participation in international trade events.
Why it matters
The alleged visa restrictions are creating economic uncertainty and straining commercial ties between Pakistan and one of its primary trading partners.
Members of Pakistan's business community have claimed to be hit by a silent visa ban by the United Arab Emirates, with business leaders complaining about export losses and disruptions to international trade and activities.According to reports in Pakistani media, the UAE government has reportedly frozen visa issuance for Pakistanis, including businessmen, investors and traders.Officially, UAE authorities maintain there is no visa ban and all categories continue to be processed."Yet there appears to be a noticeable gap between the official position and the experience reported by many Pakistani business travellers," Shahid Anwar, former secretary general of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, told The Express Tribune newspaper.A top business leader said that even Pakistanis with long-standing commercial relationships and real estate owners in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi have been unable to secure visas."This has led to important business meetings being cancelled, and many exporters have missed major…
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