UAE visa restrictions threaten Pakistan’s Gulfood participation

Pakistani business leaders have raised concerns over reported difficulties in obtaining UAE visas, warning that the

Pakistani business leaders have raised concerns over reported difficulties in obtaining UAE visas, warning that the situation is disrupting trade, business travel and export activities.

The restrictions are causing uncertainty among Pakistani exporters and traders who regularly travel to the UAE for commercial meetings, exhibitions and other business activities.

Ismail Suttar, Founder and Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, said Pakistani citizens were facing serious difficulties in obtaining UAE visas. He said the reasons for the reported restrictions had not been clearly communicated.

Business representatives said the issue was particularly worrying for companies with established operations in Dubai. Several Pakistani businessmen have offices and long-standing commercial interests in the UAE.

Some business owners have also reportedly faced difficulties travelling to the UAE to visit their families. Representatives of the business community said repeated visa rejections had created considerable uncertainty.

A member of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the matter had been formally raised with UAE authorities. A letter was sent to the UAE consul general on June 11, followed by another communication on July 7.

The business community says the visa situation could also affect Pakistan’s participation in major international exhibitions.

Gulfood, one of the major food and beverage exhibitions held in Dubai, is a particular concern. Pakistani food companies are preparing for the upcoming event, but exporters fear that their sales teams may not receive visas.

Business leaders say participation in such exhibitions is important for finding international buyers and expanding exports. Without visas, company representatives cannot display products, hold meetings or negotiate new deals.

They warned that prolonged travel restrictions could affect Pakistan’s efforts to increase exports and strengthen commercial ties with international markets.

Former Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Secretary General Shahid Anwar said visa conditions for Pakistanis differed across Gulf countries.

He noted that some Gulf states had introduced measures that made travel easier for Pakistani citizens. Saudi Arabia has included Pakistan in a package-based tourist visa programme, while Kuwait has restored several visa categories for Pakistani nationals.

According to Anwar, these developments indicate improving engagement in some bilateral relationships.

The situation with the UAE, however, remains unclear. UAE authorities have maintained that there is no general visa ban on Pakistanis and that applications across different categories continue to be processed.

Business representatives, however, say their experiences do not always match the official position.

Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Usman Shaukat said several chamber members with established businesses in the UAE were facing visa problems.

Some businessmen have long-standing commercial links and property interests in the UAE. Despite this, they have reportedly struggled to obtain visas.

The difficulties have resulted in cancelled meetings and missed international exhibitions, according to business representatives.

They said the impact was being felt not only in Rawalpindi but also among business communities in Karachi, Lahore and other major commercial centres.

Travel industry representatives have also reported a significant decline in movement between Pakistan and the UAE.

Aviation consultant Wahid Mukhtar said travel to the UAE had been badly affected by visa difficulties. He said family and visit visa applications were also facing high rejection rates.

He added that labour visa holders continued to travel, while holidaymakers were increasingly choosing destinations such as Azerbaijan and Tashkent.

Qatar has also changed its visa arrangements for Pakistani travellers, according to travel industry representatives.

The reported restrictions are also affecting Pakistanis travelling for medical and health-related activities.

Masood Ahmed said some applicants below the age of 40 were facing difficulties in obtaining Dubai visas, even when they had supporting letters.

He said older applicants were experiencing comparatively fewer problems. Some younger applicants had previously been approved when travelling with family during major health exhibitions.

Business leaders have urged the Pakistani government to intervene diplomatically.

They want Islamabad to engage with UAE authorities and seek clarity on the visa situation.