UAE Work Visa for Pakistanis 2025 | No Ban, New Rules & Process

Summary

The UAE work visa for Pakistanis is open. There is no official ban in 2025. The process is stricter with more checks. With proper documents and a real job offer, Pakistanis can still get work visas.

Introduction

The UAE continues to issue work visas to Pakistani citizens. There is no total ban. But it has become more complex. New rules and stricter checks are in place. Diplomatic visa waivers exist. 

 

Skilled professionals have better chances. Ordinary workers must meet tough requirements. This blog breaks down the situation simply. You will learn what’s open, what’s harder, and how to apply successfully.

Is There a Ban on UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis?

No! There is no official ban on UAE work visas for Pakistanis. Rumors of restrictions spread in mid-2025. Both governments denied these reports. 

Pakistani citizens can still apply normally. This means the visa system remains open. However, the process has changed. It now includes more steps and stricter checks.

Current Visa Arrangements for Pakistanis

• Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

In July 2025, the UAE and Pakistan agreed to a visa waiver for diplomatic and official passports. This came into effect on July 25, 2025. Now, Pakistani diplomats and officials can enter the UAE visa-free. This also applies to UAE officials traveling to Pakistan. 

• Ordinary Passport Holders

If you hold a normal passport, you must still apply for a visa. The waiver does not cover you. You must follow normal rules.

Work Visa Situation for Ordinary Pakistanis

• Visa Applications Still Open—But Tough

Yes, Pakistanis with ordinary passports can still apply for work visas. Many have succeeded. In the first seven months of 2025, about 13,000+ Pakistanis arrived in the UAE on employment visas. 

 

Still, the rules are stricter now. The UAE is cautious. They check job contracts closely. Some sectors are full. Companies must be reliable. Unlicensed agents and fake job offers increase rejection. 

• Digital System Eases Process for Employers

In June 2025, the UAE launched a digital work permit system. Employers can apply online through the Ministry of Human Resources platforms. This helps speed up the hiring of overseas workers. 

• Plans to Ease Visa Process

In July 2025, Pakistan and UAE officials met and agreed to make visas easier. The UAE Interior Ministry promised full cooperation, especially for work visas.

Important Visa Types for Workers

• Standard Employment (Work) Visa

This is the usual path. Your UAE employer applies for your quota and visa. You get an entry permit. Then inside the UAE, you do a medical test, receive an Emirates ID and a residency visa stamp. After that, you can work legally. You can then sponsor a family. 

• Green Visa

This visa is for skilled workers, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. This can be valid for up to 5 years. It does not need employer sponsorship. It offers flexibility for staying and working. 

• Golden Visa

This is a 10-year visa for highly skilled people, investors, or exceptional talents like doctors and PhD holders. Requires high investments or special achievements. 

• Virtual Work (Remote Work) Visa

In July 2025, the UAE began issuing remote work visas. This lets you live in the UAE for one year while working for companies abroad. You don’t need a local sponsor. It can be renewed.

What’s Changed in 2025?

Stricter Documentation and Vetting

In 2025, the UAE set new conditions for Pakistani visa applicants. Complete proof and financial security are now required. Processing takes longer, and many applications are rejected if any detail is missing.

 

• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Verified hotel or accommodation bookings
• Proof of property ownership (if any)
• A refundable security deposit (AED 3,000+) 
• Stallion HR Solutions

Focus on Skilled Workers

The UAE now prefers professionals over unskilled workers. This means educated and experienced people get quicker approval.

• Professionals with high skills, like engineers and doctors, are preferred. 
• Unskilled workers usually meet more visa hurdles.

Need for Pre-Approval via Agent

Pakistanis must often get a pre-approval document from a registered travel agent or agency before even applying. This acts like a “permission slip” to proceed.

What Do You Need to Apply Successfully?

To get a UAE work visa without delays, you must prepare the right documents. Missing even one paper can cause rejection.

• You need a passport valid for 6 months.
• Provide passport photos with a white background.
• Submit an entry permit and a signed job contract.
• Have health insurance, medical tests, and police clearance.
• Attest education and work documents.
• The sponsor must show a trade license.
• Return ticket and accommodation proof may be needed.
• Pay the refundable AED 3,000+ security deposit.

Application Process – Step by Step

• Get a Formal Job Offer

You need a real job offer from a UAE company. It must follow UAE labor rules. Both you and the employer sign it.

• Employer Applies for a Work Permit

Your employer applies through MoHRE. They upload your details and job offer. The permit type depends on your role.

• Entry Permit Is Issued

After approval, you get an entry permit. It is usually valid for 60 days. Travel before it expires.

• Check Status and Travel

Track the permit online on ICP or GDRFA. When active, you can travel. Your passport must be valid for six months.

• Complete Medical Fitness Test

After arrival, take a medical test. It checks for communicable diseases. Results are linked to your visa file.

• Attend Emirates ID Biometrics

Apply for an Emirates ID. Give fingerprints and a photo at an ICP centre. This step is mandatory.

• Register Your Employment Contract

Your employer registers your contract in the system. It must follow MoHRE rules.

• Get Your Residence Visa Issued

After tests and biometrics, the residence visa is issued. In Dubai, it is processed through GDRFA. In other emirates, through ICP. You also receive your Emirates ID.

• Start Work After Activation

You can work only after visa activation. Employers confirm this in government portals. Keep your ID and contract copies.

• Track Status Online

Check visa and ID status on the ICP or GDRFA portals. This confirms each stage.

• Bring Family Later

After your visa is active, you can sponsor your family. You need income and housing proof.

Processing Time for UAE Visa

Any Pakistani applying for a UAE visa can get results fast. The time may take 3 to 24 hours. It depends on the type of visa process.

• Standard Processing Time

In general, a Pakistani visa application can get approval within 3 days. This depends on complete documents and proper checks.

• Urgent Visa

If you need to travel fast, apply for an urgent UAE visa. This option is for quick processing. Approval usually comes within 48 hours. This is useful in urgent cases.

• Super Urgent Visa

The super urgent visa is issued within 24 hours. You must provide all required documents. You also need to explain the urgent reason. This visa is for those who must travel quickly.

Visa Processing Fee

Pakistani citizens must pay a visa fee when applying for a UAE visa. The UAE government requires $69 for a 30-day single-entry visa. The fee is compulsory. Without payment, the application cannot be processed or approved.

Why Do Some Applications Face Delays or Rejection?

Some UAE work visa applications face delays or rejection due to strict checks. Missing or fake documents cause problems. Applicants from certain cities face more scrutiny. 

 

Security and background issues also create delays. Sometimes, even complete files get refused without reason. Strong paperwork and trusted employers increase approval chances.

Easy Tips for Faster Visa Success

Proper planning improves your chances of getting a UAE work visa. Small but careful steps bring big results.

• Choose a trusted agent.
• Work only with a reliable employer.
• Keep documents complete and attested.
• Get educational papers attested by HEC and MOFA.
• Provide police clearance and medical reports.
• Never use fake papers.
• Apply for skilled jobs.
• Keep copies of submissions and follow new rules.

Conclusion

The UAE work visa for Pakistanis is open. There is no official ban. But the process is stricter now. Visa approval needs clear documents, medical records, and police checks. Many applicants face rejection for incomplete submissions. 

 

Working with reliable employers makes success easier. The UAE system is moving toward digital processing. With patience and careful preparation, Pakistanis can still get work visas.

FAQs

Is it true that some applications face a shadow ban?

Yes, many applicants report silent rejections without clear reasons. Officials deny any official ban.

 

How can I check if my UAE work visa is approved?

You can check online on the UAE ICP website. The MOHRE portal also shows the status with your passport or application number.

 

Can Pakistanis apply for a work visa without a job offer?

No! A valid job offer from a UAE employer is required for a work visa.

 

Can a Pakistani switch jobs in the UAE on a work visa?

Yes, but you need a No Objection Certificate or proper clearance from your current employer.

 

What steps can Pakistanis take to avoid visa rejection?

Always use original and verified documents. Apply through reliable employers and finish all required clearances.