More than 800 Pakistanis denied entry into Dubai after failing to meet visit visa requirements

More than 800 Pakistani citizens have been denied entry into Dubai since Tuesday. Courtesy: Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai

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More than 800 Pakistani citizens have been denied entry into Dubai since last Tuesday, after failing to meet visit visa entry requirements.

A total of 832 Pakistani passengers who arrived at the Dubai International Airport on different airlines were stopped, the General Consulate of Pakistan in Dubai confirmed.

So far, 657 of them have been sent back and 166 will return in the next 12 hours.

They were denied entry for not meeting visit visa entry requirements, such as having insufficient funds to support their stay in the UAE, not holding a return ticket or were unable to give the contact details of a relative they planned to live with.

Pakistani passengers queue for free meals after being told they could not leave Dubai International Airport. Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai

The Pakistani consulate said that the consul general, Ahmed Amjad Ali, held meetings with UAE immigration authorities today on the matter.

“Consulate General’s helpdesk is working round the clock to assist the passengers. Pakistani nationals are requested to fulfil minimum entry requirements, and they should have the visa for Dubai if they want to land at Dubai airport,” a press release issued by the consulate on Friday said.

The consulate also said food is being provided to the citizens.

About 150 to 200 Indian citizens were also stopped from entering last week.

But 50 of them were later allowed entry after they cleared their status.

Neeraj Agarwal, press officer at the Indian Consulate, said the passengers were asked to show that they had a minimum of Dh2,000 to support their stay and other visit visa entry requirements.

Those who need pre-arranged entry permits for the Emirates should be sponsored by an Emirati citizen, a resident with a valid visa, or with a UAE-based airline, hotel or tour agent.

A government department or companies in the private sector or free zones can also sponsor a person to come to the UAE.

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