Pakistan, UAE activate mutual visa waivers for diplomats, officials

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday that Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have activated mutual visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries.

The decision reflects the longstanding and close relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, which share deep diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners in the Middle East and a key source of remittances, with a significant Pakistani expatriate community residing there.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dar shared details of the agreement following discussions with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He described the development as a “positive step between our two brotherly countries.”

“I have been informed by UAE authorities that the visa waiver for diplomatic and official Pakistani passport holders entering the United Arab Emirates is now in effect as of July 25, 2025, at all UAE airports,” Dar wrote.

He added that both countries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the arrangement, which became operational 30 days after the signing.

Dar also confirmed that reciprocal visa-free entry for UAE diplomatic and official passport holders has been activated at all Pakistani airports.

Earlier this month, UAE Interior Minister Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured full support in expediting visa processes for Pakistani nationals. His remarks came during a meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

During the discussion, Naqvi highlighted the importance of facilitating travel for Pakistani citizens. “We want our citizens to be able to visit the UAE with ease. Easing visa policies will provide much-needed relief,” he said.

The agreement builds on progress made during the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in June, where both nations signed an MoU on mutual visa exemptions for official and diplomatic travel.