July 11, 2025
ABU DHABI — In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates has assured Pakistan of full cooperation in streamlining visa processes for its citizens, particularly in the realm of employment. The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Naqvi, who is on an official visit to the UAE, was warmly received at the UAE Ministry of Interior with full protocol — including a ceremonial guard of honour — a gesture that underscored the warmth and depth of relations between the two brotherly nations.
During the meeting, the two ministers held focused discussions on easing visa regulations for Pakistani nationals, with particular attention on facilitating work visas. “We want to make it easier for Pakistanis to come and work in the UAE,” Naqvi emphasized. “Any relaxation in visa policy would bring immense relief to our people.”
In response, Sheikh Saif assured “full support” from the Emirati side, indicating that efforts will be made to expedite visa issuance and improve the overall process for Pakistani applicants. The assurance is seen as a welcome step by many observers, especially given the significant Pakistani workforce contributing to the UAE’s economy.
Security, Technology, and Shared Vision
The two delegations didn’t limit their discussions to visas alone. The meeting also served as a platform to explore broader cooperation in internal security, counter-narcotics, and anti-smuggling operations. Both sides expressed keen interest in harnessing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to meet future security challenges head-on.
Naqvi was later taken on a tour of Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art policing and command center. The facility, which features cutting-edge surveillance systems and crime prevention tools, impressed the Pakistani minister, who expressed interest in replicating aspects of it back home.
A Brotherhood Beyond Diplomacy
Wrapping up his visit, Interior Minister Naqvi lauded the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, calling it a “national asset.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation across all fronts — particularly in public safety, welfare initiatives, and people-to-people contact.
“The relationship between our two nations goes beyond diplomacy — it is rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress,” Naqvi said.
A Critical Partner in the Gulf
With over a million Pakistanis living and working in the UAE, the Gulf nation remains one of Pakistan’s most vital partners in trade, investment, and foreign remittances. This renewed commitment to visa facilitation is expected to not only ease the lives of expatriate workers but also strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
As global mobility becomes increasingly tied to international cooperation, this development offers a glimmer of hope to many Pakistanis seeking better employment prospects abroad — and reinforces the UAE’s role as a dependable partner in Pakistan’s development journey.
