Traveling from Lahore to Dubai has become an increasingly difficult task for Pakistanis, with the UAE’s visa rejection rate now reportedly soaring to 99%. Despite the UAE’s tough new regulations, the number of successful visas issued has sharply declined.
According to Sadiq Sabir, a board member of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), the UAE government has now added a strict requirement for applicants to show a bank statement with at least one million PKR, along with a confirmed return ticket and hotel bookings, for visit visa applications.
On average, around 2,000 visa applications are submitted daily from Lahore. However, concerns over security have led to the overwhelming majority of these applications being denied. This has created a major financial headache for many applicants, as they face substantial losses. Rejections result in financial damages of 1,500 to 2,000 dirhams per applicant, in addition to the non-refundable visa and hotel booking fees.
The mounting rejections have left many Pakistanis frustrated and out of pocket, as they navigate the complex and costly process of attempting to secure a visa. While the UAE authorities continue to enforce these stringent conditions, it’s clear that the challenges of securing a visit visa from Lahore are becoming more daunting with each passing day.
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