Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has acknowledged visa challenges faced by Pakistani nationals, calling the issue “serious and significant.” He confirmed that both governments are working toward a resolution.
Speaking to Arab News, Tirmizi said that declining visa approvals, particularly in the past year, were due to concerns over document authenticity, legal violations, and political activities by some applicants.
He emphasized that the issue was raised with UAE officials at the highest levels.
According to the ambassador, the UAE has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) for document verification, leading to stricter scrutiny. Discrepancies in educational and qualification documents have contributed to visa refusals, even when applicants had genuine credentials with flawed attestations.
Tirmizi also pointed out that the UAE’s job market has shifted, with reduced demand for unskilled labor. He urged Pakistan to focus on training professionals in fields such as IT, artificial intelligence, and healthcare to align with market needs.
Despite visa concerns, remittances from the UAE have surged, increasing by 53.9% year-on-year, with projections reaching $3.58 billion for FY2025. The ambassador stressed the need for improved education and skill development to enhance employment prospects abroad.