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Dubai suspends visa for Pakistanis? GDRFA responds

Dubai - Pakistani media reported that this is a temporary arrangement.

The New Year is just round the corner, and people from all across the world will be flying in to Dubai to witness the magnificent celebrations.

Sadly, in what seems like an attempt to dampen the festive spirits, a rumour has gone viral in Pakistan, home of close to a million expats in the UAE.

According to a fake notice going viral across the country, the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs has issued a notification suspending issuance of UAE visas for Pakistanis.

"The ministry and immigration of UAE has temporarily suspended issuance of UAE visa for Pakistanis. Those who have visa already can travel," the fake notice said.

The rumour was also picked up by mainstream Pakistani media.

GEO TV quoted officials of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan, who said the visa service has been suspended until further notice.

No particular detail has been provided for the visa rejection, the report said, quoting the chairman of the association, Naeem Sharif.

Vice chairman of the association, Nadeem Sharif, said that this was a temporary arrangement, adding that he believes the service would resume from the start of the New Year, the report added.

He said that the visa restrictions had been imposed for Pakistanis only, as around 300,000 Pakistanis are already in Dubai on visit visas.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of Dubai has denied these rumours.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, the GDRFA said "visitors from Pakistan are welcome to enter Dubai after obtaining a visa".

"The situation is normal," the official said.

Visitors have been advised not to fall for rumours and always verify news with official UAE/Dubai government agencies.
yousufk@khaleejtimes.com
hesham@khaleejtimes.com