The challenges for Pakistanis traveling from Lahore to Dubai continue to grow, with the UAE visa rejection rate reportedly reaching 99%.
According to travel agents, despite strict conditions imposed by the UAE government, the number of approved visas has drastically decreased.
Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) Executive Board Member Sadiq Sabir shared that the UAE authorities now require a bank statement showing one million PKR, a confirmed return ticket, and hotel bookings for visit visa applications.
Sadiq Sabir revealed that around 2,000 visa applications are submitted daily from Lahore alone. However, citing security concerns, 99% of these applications are rejected, leading to significant financial losses for applicants.
Applicants reportedly face losses ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 dirhams per rejection. Additionally, fees for visa applications and hotel bookings are non-refundable, further compounding their financial burden.
Sabir urged Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the issue and work towards finding a solution to ease the difficulties faced by Pakistani citizens seeking to travel to the UAE.