Big News for Pakistanis from the UAE: Reports Emerge of 8,000 Visas Being Issued in First 10 Days of November
ISLAMABAD (Daily Qudrat): Important news has emerged for Pakistani citizens awaiting UAE visas, with claims that 8,000 Pakistanis could be issued visas during the first 10 days of November. The announcement, attributed to UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al-Zaabi, is being shared on social media; however, formal confirmation of this specific number and duration has not emerged from the Emirati embassy or relevant government institutions.
On the other hand, recent diplomatic reports have confirmed an improvement in the pace of visa issuance for Pakistani citizens.
According to a report published in Daily Jang and The News on 22 October, with the improvement in relations between Pakistan and the UAE, the process of issuing online visas to Pakistanis has returned to its normal pace.
According to senior diplomatic sources, Emirati authorities are issuing visas to an average of about 30,000 Pakistani citizens every month, while applications are also being processed through travel agents.
The report said that UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al-Zaabi has played an important diplomatic role in improving relations between the two countries.
However, a separate official announcement regarding the issuance of 8,000 visas in the first 10 days of November is yet to be confirmed.
Reports of 30,000 Visas per Month for Pakistanis
According to The News report, diplomatic sources said that the UAE’s pace of issuing visas to Pakistani citizens has once again improved, with an average of about 30,000 visas being issued per month.
This development is significant for Pakistanis who have been complaining of delays or rejections in visit, business and employment-related visa applications over the past some time.
However, the overall monthly number of visas cannot lead to the conclusion that every application will necessarily be approved. Visa issuance is subject to scrutiny by the relevant Emirati authorities, the applicant’s documents and the stipulated conditions.
New Claim of 8,000 Visas, Official Announcement Awaited
A news item circulating on social media has attributed to UAE Ambassador Salem Mohammed Al-Zaabi that 8,000 Pakistanis could be issued visas during the first 10 days of November.
The wording used in this claim suggests that it refers to possible issuance, not to the prior approval or issuance of 8,000 visas.
It is also not yet clear in relation to this news whether the proposed number would include visit visas, work visas, family visas or all categories of visas.
Therefore, it is necessary for Pakistanis wishing to apply for visas to obtain information from the Emirati embassy and relevant visa services before finalising travel plans on the basis of any specific number or date.
2.2 Million Pakistanis Residing in the UAE; Improving Ties Between the Two Countries
According to diplomatic sources, about 2.2 million Pakistanis reside in the UAE, serving in construction, transport, business, health, technology and various other sectors.
The UAE is among the most important overseas employment markets for Pakistani manpower.
Pakistanis residing there send billions of dollars in remittances to Pakistan every year, which play an important role in the national economy and in supporting millions of families.
The 22 October report said that the volume of trade between the two countries is about $8 billion, while cooperation continues in energy, investment, infrastructure and other sectors. According to the report, UAE Ambassador Salem Mohammed Al-Zaabi has played a positive role in reducing difficulties in bilateral relations and promoting diplomatic cooperation.
Foreign Office’s Position on Visas for Pakistani Citizens
The Pakistani Foreign Office, in its press briefing on 10 September 2026, had clarified rumours regarding UAE visas.
According to the spokesman, over the past 5 years, an average of about 7,000 to 8,000 Pakistanis were sent back from the UAE each year, while about 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis moved to the UAE annually for employment and other purposes.
The Foreign Office had made clear that the number of Pakistanis going to the UAE is several times greater than those sent back, so the impression that visas have been completely closed is not correct.
On the other hand, according to recent diplomatic reporting, efforts are ongoing to improve visa facilities for Pakistanis and to speed up the processing of applications. If the claim of issuing visas to 8,000 Pakistanis in the first 10 days of November proves correct, it will be an important development for Pakistani applicants. However, at present formal confirmation of this specific announcement is not available, while reports from diplomatic sources exist regarding an improvement in overall visa issuance.
