The UAE has long been a top destination for Pakistanis looking for work, business, and travel. But in 2025, the situation has changed in a big way. Many people are confused, worried, or unsure about what the new rules mean — especially those hoping to work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Gulf countries.
This article breaks everything down in simple terms:
- What’s happening with UAE visas
- Who is most affected and why
- Whether you can still work in the UAE
- What the situation is in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and others
- What Pakistanis who want to work abroad should do now
Let’s make it easy to understand.
What Is Happening With UAE Visas Right Now
In 2025, the UAE has significantly reduced or frozen most types of regular visas for Pakistanis, especially visit and tourist visas. While it’s not an official “ban,” the approval rate has dropped sharply.
This means:
- Ordinary Pakistani passport holders (green passport) are facing very high rejection rates
- First-time travellers, especially younger applicants, are being rejected the most
- Only diplomatic or special passport holders (blue or official passports) are seeing normal visa approvals
The UAE has tightened its immigration checks due to rising concerns about people misusing visit visas. Some cases included overstaying, working illegally, begging, or being involved in crimes. Because of this, authorities increased scrutiny for all Pakistani applicants.
Who Is This Causing Problems For?
The current restrictions affect some groups more than others:
1. People applying for visit/tourist visas
This includes:
- Tourists
- Family visitors
- People who wanted to visit and “find a job”
- Young first-time travelers
These applicants are now experiencing major delays or outright refusals.
2. Low-skilled workers without job offers
Many people previously used visit visas to enter the UAE and then search for work. This pathway is now almost shut down.
3. Anyone with incomplete or unverifiable documents
UAE immigration is doing strict checks on:
- Criminal records
- Travel history
- Fake degrees or certificates
- Genuine intent to return
Does This Mean You Cannot Get a Job in the UAE?
No — you can still get a job in the UAE.
Work visas are still open for Pakistanis. The UAE has not banned employment visas.
However, there is a big change:
You must have a proper job offer and a company in the UAE willing to sponsor your work visa.
How a Pakistani can still go to the UAE legally:
- Get a legitimate job offer from a UAE employer
- The employer applies for your work permit and entry visa
- After you arrive, your medical tests, Emirates ID, and residency visa are processed
This path is still functioning normally. The crackdown is mainly on visit visas, not employment visas.
What About Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey and Others?
Each country has its own rules, but here’s the general picture:
Saudi Arabia
Still hiring Pakistanis normally. Work visas remain open, especially for skilled workers. Saudi also tightened its rules against illegal visa misuse, but it hasn’t frozen visas like the UAE.
Qatar
Qatar continues issuing visas to Pakistanis. However, the system is very structured — you must have an employer-sponsor for a work visa.
Kuwait
Kuwait has recently reopened visas for Pakistanis after years of restrictions. There is growing demand for Pakistani workers again.
Turkey
Turkey issues visas but they are becoming more selective. Work visas require an employer; visit visas need strong financial and travel history proof.
Overall Trend in the Region
Across the Gulf, countries are trying to control illegal migration and ensure that only verified, genuine workers or travellers enter. This means stricter checks, but not a regional ban on Pakistanis.
Why Did These Restrictions Happen?
Some of the main reasons include:
- Increase in overstay and illegal work cases
- Issues of document fraud and fake degrees
- Reports of some Pakistani nationals being involved in begging or minor crimes
- UAE wanting to protect its job market and security
- Rising global immigration control trends
This situation affects visa policies, but it does NOT mean Pakistanis cannot work in these countries.
What Someone From Pakistan Should Do If They Want to Work Abroad
Here’s the most practical advice:
✔ 1. Get a real job offer before traveling
Visit visas for job hunting are no longer reliable.
✔ 2. Avoid agents who promise “easy visas”
Most of them are misleading. UAE is verifying everything now.
✔ 3. Prepare your documents properly
Get degrees attested, get a police clearance certificate, keep your passport valid.
✔ 4. Apply to trusted companies
Use official job portals like:
- Bayt
- Company websites
- GulfTalent
These routes are much safer.
✔ 5. Be patient — processing times are slower nowadays
Strict checks mean longer wait times, but work visas are still being issued.
Key Takeaways
- UAE has paused or heavily restricted visit visas for Pakistanis in 2025.
- Work visas are still open — you just need a real employer.
- The restrictions mainly target illegal migration and misuse of visit visas.
- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey have not stopped hiring Pakistanis.
- The best way forward is to secure a verified job offer and avoid risky shortcuts.
- Pakistanis can still work in the UAE and Gulf, but must follow proper legal procedures.
- Visit-visa job hunting is no longer a reliable option.
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