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In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has received a firm commitment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ease visa-related restrictions for Pakistani citizens. The announcement follows his official visit to Abu Dhabi, where he met with Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
The meeting, which covered a broad range of bilateral and regional issues, focused heavily on the challenges faced by Pakistani nationals in obtaining visas and work permits, and sought to find long-term solutions.
Work Permit and Visa Challenges at the Forefront
During the discussions, Minister Naqvi highlighted the growing concern among Pakistani citizens, especially those seeking employment opportunities in the UAE, regarding lengthy visa processes and unpredictable policy changes.
“We want Pakistani citizens to come to the UAE with ease,” Naqvi told his UAE counterpart, noting that streamlined procedures would mutually benefit both countries through increased labor mobility, trade, and people-to-people ties.
Naqvi specifically requested action on delays and procedural obstacles in work permits, visit visas, and family visa categories that have affected thousands of Pakistani workers and professionals residing in the Gulf nation.
Sheikh Saif Pledges Full Support
In response, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured full cooperation from the UAE government. He acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to the development of the UAE and pledged to review existing visa policies in order to identify areas for administrative easing and improvement.
“We are committed to strengthening ties with Pakistan and addressing issues that affect its citizens,” Sheikh Saif remarked, highlighting the strategic nature of the relationship.
This pledge marks a potentially important shift in UAE policy and could ease access for Pakistanis across various visa categories, especially in the labor sector, which plays a vital role in remittances and employment.
Longstanding Bilateral Relationship Reaffirmed
The high-level meeting reaffirmed the decades-long relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, which is rooted in shared history, cultural ties, and strategic interests in immigration, trade, and regional security.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as:
- Immigration policy reforms
- Counter-narcotics operations
- Security technology collaboration
- Joint training and information sharing
Naqvi emphasized that bilateral relations should directly impact the welfare of citizens, including overseas Pakistanis who form a significant part of the UAE’s labor force.
Visit to Abu Dhabi Police Operations Center
As part of his visit, Minister Naqvi was given a tour of the Abu Dhabi Police operations center, where he was briefed on the UAE’s cutting-edge surveillance, emergency response systems, and AI-driven policing technologies.
The minister expressed deep interest in adopting similar models in Pakistan, particularly in large metropolitan cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, to improve public safety, crime detection, and digital monitoring.
“The use of advanced technology in policing is inspiring. We are eager to bring similar systems to Pakistan to enhance public security and service delivery,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
Naqvi’s visit comes at a time when both countries are looking to diversify and deepen their cooperation, not just in economic and political terms, but also in matters that impact the daily lives of citizens.
By securing a commitment on visa facilitation, the visit represents a concrete outcome with direct implications for millions of Pakistanis living in or seeking to move to the UAE.
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Officials from the Pakistani Ministry of Interior confirmed that a joint working group may be established in the coming weeks to monitor progress, resolve implementation bottlenecks, and coordinate new initiatives based on this visit.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Citizens and Diplomacy
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s successful diplomatic outreach in Abu Dhabi marks a positive shift in Pakistan-UAE relations, particularly in addressing the concerns of Pakistani citizens abroad. With formal assurances from the UAE to ease visa procedures, there is growing optimism that future cooperation will continue to prioritize the well-being of expatriates and the efficiency of bilateral mechanisms.
As both nations reaffirm their shared values and strategic interests, the hope is that initiatives like this will not only resolve bureaucratic challenges but also strengthen trust, mobility, and mutual prosperity.
