The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday denied rumours
that it was suspending the issuance of visas to Pakistani applicants
until the end of the year, Khaleej Times reported.
The
rumours surfaced after a fake notice allegedly issued by the UAE
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) began
making rounds on social media.
"The ministry and
immigration of UAE has temporarily suspended issuance of UAE visa for
Pakistanis. Those who already have visa can travel," the fake notice
said.
The development was also reported by local media outlets,
which quoted officials from the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan
as saying that the UAE government is rejecting visit visa applications
submitted by Pakistanis.
The officials claimed the
restriction was a 'temporary arrangement' and that the service would
resume with the beginning of 2018.
The GDRFA, however, rubbished the reports saying that the "situation is normal".
"Visitors from Pakistan are welcome to enter Dubai after obtaining a visa," the GDRFA told Khaleej Times.
