Pakistani exporters and business leaders say ongoing UAE visa difficulties are disrupting trade, business travel, and preparations for Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food and beverage exhibitions.
ISLAMABAD: Growing concerns over reported UAE visa difficulties are creating fresh uncertainty for Pakistan’s business community, with exporters warning that the issue could undermine trade opportunities and international market access.
Business leaders say obtaining UAE visas has become increasingly difficult, affecting entrepreneurs, exporters, and traders who regularly travel to Dubai for commercial meetings, exhibitions, and investment-related activities. The uncertainty comes at a critical time as Pakistani companies prepare to participate in Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions.
Ismail Suttar, Founder and Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, said Pakistani applicants continue to face significant challenges in securing UAE visas, while the reasons behind the reported restrictions remain unclear.
Representatives from the business community noted that many Pakistani entrepreneurs have established offices, investments, and long-term commercial interests in the UAE. Repeated visa rejections, they say, have disrupted business operations, delayed meetings, and even affected travel for family visits.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has formally raised the matter with UAE authorities through letters sent in June and July, seeking clarification over the reported visa issues.
Exporters are particularly concerned about Gulfood, where Pakistani food manufacturers rely on face-to-face meetings with international buyers to secure export orders and expand into new markets. Business leaders warn that if sales teams fail to obtain visas, companies could lose valuable commercial opportunities and weaken Pakistan’s export growth efforts.
Former Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Secretary General Shahid Anwar observed that visa policies differ across Gulf states. While countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have recently introduced measures easing travel for Pakistani citizens, the situation regarding UAE visas remains uncertain.
Although UAE authorities have repeatedly stated that there is no blanket visa ban on Pakistani nationals and that applications continue to be processed across various categories, business representatives argue that their experiences suggest otherwise.
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Usman Shaukat said chamber members with long-established businesses and property investments in the UAE have also encountered visa difficulties, leading to cancelled meetings and missed international exhibitions.
The travel industry has likewise reported a decline in passenger movement between Pakistan and the UAE. Aviation consultant Wahid Mukhtar said family and visit visa applications are experiencing high rejection rates, while labour visas continue to be issued. As a result, many leisure travellers are choosing alternative destinations such as Azerbaijan and Tashkent.
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