Pakistani citizens residing in the UAE and outside were thrilled about the new five-year multiple-entry visa, which was a big relief. A teacher in the Al Tawoon neighborhood of Sharjah named Fariya Iqbal is already envisioning how this relocation can change the course of her family's life, from moving parents here to launching a small company in the Emirates after selling surplus land back home.

Iqbal stated, "I know a lot of people, including myself, who will seriously consider moving our base to the UAE if this goes ahead smoothly."

"We have underutilized properties in Pakistan.  Our parents will be able to travel more freely and remain with us if this visa is approved.  We would prefer to make an investment here, and I know a lot of folks who will give moving base very serious thought.  This visa enhances the sense of home that already exists in the UAE," Iqbal continued.

UAE entry visa

According to a Dawn story, Pakistanis can now apply for a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, as verified by UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi.  Following the resolution of some concerns between the two nations, the announcement was made.

 

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai states that this visa permits several trips over a period of five years without the necessity for a local host or guarantor.  Visitors are permitted to stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit, with the possibility of an annual extension to 180 days.

"We have a ton of calls."

Travel businesses in the United Arab Emirates were inundated with calls and texts asking about the visa process shortly after the news emerged.


Dr. Zafar Tahir Rizvi, a partner of a travel business in Dubai, stated, "We have been receiving calls from Pakistanis living here, in the Gulf, Europe, and even the US."


"Everyone wants to know when they may begin and how to apply.  Although the authorities have not yet provided us with all the specifics, there is a great deal of intrigue.  Additionally, green card holders in the US have asked us how they might use this visa to partially reside in the UAE, Dr. Zafar said.


According to him, many Pakistani families may experience significant changes as a result of this visa, which goes beyond simple travel.


It will be simpler for qualified experts to relocate here.  Without having to worry about renewals every few months, families will be able to coexist," he said.


He did, however, add that the visa ought to cover health insurance.  "It would make a significant impact if the multiple entrance visa included medical coverage.  People will feel more at ease because the UAE has excellent healthcare," he said.


According to Abbas Khan of Muna Travels in Deira, his staff has begun gathering people's contact information so they can get in touch when the application process formally begins.  "Since the announcement, we have received countless inquiries.  Many individuals in the US, UK, and Gulf are already discussing how this visa would enable them to begin a new life here.

"My family can now stay for longer."

According to Awais Ahmed, an engineer who lives in International City and works in Oud Metha, the visa will finally enable his parents and other family members to travel and spend time with his children.


My spouse and kids recently relocated to Dubai, and they like my parents.  Now that this has been announced, my folks are free to move in whenever they'd like.  They now solely use video calls to communicate with them.  For families like ours, it means a great deal," Awais added.

For family visit visa

This visa will facilitate family visits, according to Mohammed Shuaib, an engineer employed by Emirates Telecom in Ajman.  "Every time we wanted to call our siblings or relatives, we had to arrange documents, send invites, and wait for approval," he stated.  "They can now travel for any reason, including emergencies, marriages, and births.  It relieves a great deal of stress.

Pakistani expatriate visa

This visa is already altering the outlook of many Pakistani citizens as they prepare to bring their loved ones to the United Arab Emirates and investigate new prospects.  Fariya remarked, "This feels like a dream."  "This is something we've been waiting for for a long time."