ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani citizens applying through registered travel agents, providing relief to thousands of applicants after months of stricter scrutiny and prolonged processing times.
The development is expected to strengthen travel between Pakistan and the UAE, particularly for families visiting relatives, while also supporting tourism and business travel. Travel industry representatives described the move as a positive step that could restore confidence among travelers who had experienced delays in obtaining visit visas.
Officials and travel agents said applications submitted through authorized travel agencies are now being processed more efficiently, with applicants receiving decisions in significantly shorter periods than in recent months.
According to travel industry representatives, families have benefited the most from the revised processing system, with applications involving spouses, children and close relatives receiving quicker consideration.
The UAE remains one of the most important destinations for Pakistani travelers and overseas workers. Nearly 1.8 million Pakistanis live and work in the Gulf country, making it one of Pakistan’s largest expatriate communities.
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Travel experts believe the resumption of smoother visa processing will encourage more Pakistanis to visit family members, attend business meetings, participate in exhibitions and travel for tourism purposes.
Muhammad Nadeem Sharif, Chief Executive of Aroma Travels and former chairman of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan, welcomed the development and said the UAE Embassy had resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani tourists traveling with their families.
He noted that applicants planning to visit relatives already residing in the UAE were also receiving faster responses, reducing uncertainty that had affected travelers over recent months.
Sharif added that travel agencies have restarted promotional campaigns for UAE tourism as customer confidence gradually returns following disruptions caused by regional security concerns earlier this year.
Industry representatives say improved visa processing is expected to increase bookings for flights, hotels and travel packages, providing a welcome boost for Pakistan’s travel and tourism sector.
A senior Pakistani immigration official also indicated that passenger traffic to the UAE has shown noticeable improvement in recent weeks.
According to the official, the number of daily passengers traveling from Pakistan to Dubai has more than doubled compared with earlier in the summer, reflecting renewed demand for travel following the easing of visa-related concerns.
Travel agents expect passenger volumes to continue increasing as more people become aware of the revised visa processing arrangements.
The UAE has long remained a preferred destination for Pakistani workers, entrepreneurs, investors and tourists because of its close geographical proximity, strong economic links and extensive air connectivity.
Direct flights between major Pakistani cities and Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah continue to serve thousands of passengers every week, making travel between the two countries convenient for both business and leisure purposes.
Industry experts believe the latest decision will also benefit airlines, hotels, tour operators and businesses that depend on regular travel between Pakistan and the UAE.
They say easier access to visit visas could encourage more families to reunite, particularly during school holidays and festive seasons when travel demand traditionally increases.
Pakistan and the UAE maintain close diplomatic and economic relations, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, employment, aviation and tourism.
The Gulf country also remains one of Pakistan’s largest sources of workers’ remittances, highlighting the importance of strong people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Travel professionals have advised applicants to submit complete documentation through registered travel agents and ensure compliance with all visa requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.
They also encouraged travelers to verify their travel documents, accommodation arrangements and return tickets before applying for visas.
With processing becoming more streamlined, industry observers expect travel between Pakistan and the UAE to continue recovering in the coming months, strengthening tourism, family connections and commercial activity while further reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the two friendly countries.
