UAE Back to About 30,000 Visas a Month for Pakistanis, Sources Say
UAE visa issuance for Pakistanis is reported back to about 30,000 a month after months of slower processing. What is confirmed and what job seekers should do.
UAEIn brief
- Diplomatic sources told The News on 22 October 2026 that the UAE is issuing about 30,000 visas a month to Pakistanis, back to its earlier pace.
- Travel agents are also processing applications on top of that figure; the report does not split it into visit and work visas.
- There is no on-record statement from the UAE or Pakistan governments, so the figure should be treated as reported, not official.
- Visit visas for Pakistani families through registered travel agents had already restarted in early August 2026.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | UAE Government (as reported by diplomatic sources) |
| Official source | The News (Pakistan) – Visa resumption puts Pak-UAE ties back on track ✓ thenews.pk |
The flow of UAE visas for Pakistani nationals has returned to its normal pace after months of slower processing, according to a report in Pakistan's The News on 22 October 2026. Diplomatic sources quoted by the paper said the UAE is now issuing about 30,000 visas a month to Pakistanis, with travel agents handling further applications on top of that.
What TheJobSeek could verify
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| About 30,000 visas a month to Pakistanis | Reported by unnamed diplomatic sources (The News, 22 Oct 2026); no official figure published |
| Visa issuance back to its earlier pace | Reported by the same sources |
| Visit visas for Pakistani families restarted | Reported in early August 2026 by The Nation, citing travel agents |
| Relations between the two countries improving | Described by sources; credited partly to the new UAE ambassador, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi |
The report does not say how many of the visas are visit visas and how many are employment visas. Neither the UAE nor the Pakistani government has made a public statement confirming the number, so treat it as an estimate.
Background
For several months, Pakistani applicants faced long delays and extra checks, especially for family visit visas. In early August, travel agents said the UAE had started issuing visit visas again to Pakistani families applying through registered travel agents, and that decisions were arriving faster. Air traffic between Pakistan and Dubai picked up around the same time.
The News also reported that about 3,500 Pakistanis were sent home from the UAE over several months, and that sources say nobody has been made to leave in recent weeks.
Why it matters for jobs
| Figure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pakistanis in the UAE | Roughly 1.8 to 2.2 million |
| UAE–Pakistan trade | About $8 billion a year |
| Main sectors | Construction, transport, retail, hospitality, energy, real estate |
A steadier visa flow makes it easier for employers to bring in Pakistani staff, and for families and job seekers to travel for interviews. It also supports remittances, which are a major source of income for Pakistan.
How to apply safely
- Apply only through registered travel agents or the official UAE channels: ICP for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the northern emirates, and GDRFA Dubai for Dubai.
- Check job offers and work permits on the MoHRE website.
- In Pakistan, use only recruiters licensed by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment.
What it means for job seekers
- Faster visas, same rules. A visit visa does not allow you to work. Your employer must get you a work permit.
- Get your documents ready. Attested degrees, a clean police record and a valid passport speed up processing.
- Avoid "guaranteed visa" agents. Real visa decisions are made by UAE authorities, not agents.
- Expect checks to continue. Even at normal pace, some applications will still be refused.
Read our guide on whether you can work on a visit visa in the UAE and the warning signs of a fake UAE job offer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UAE issuing visas to Pakistanis again?
Yes. Visit visas through registered travel agents restarted in August 2026, and diplomatic sources now say issuance is back to about 30,000 a month.
Is the 30,000 visas a month figure official?
No. It comes from unnamed diplomatic sources quoted by The News. Neither government has published the number.
Can Pakistanis look for jobs in the UAE on a visit visa?
You can attend interviews, but you cannot legally work on a visit visa. Your employer must arrange a work permit and residence visa.
How many Pakistanis live in the UAE?
About 1.8 to 2.2 million, depending on the source, making them one of the largest expat groups.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
