Islamabad: Pakistani officials traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with diplomatic or official passports will no longer be able to obtain their visas through travel agents. This change follows a reminder from the UAE government regarding a previously ignored standard operating procedure (SOP).
Violation of SOP
The Cabinet Division of Pakistan received a notification on July 3rd, 2024, highlighting that many officials were using travel agents to obtain visas, in violation of established procedures.
The Division has circulated the updated instructions from the UAE government to ensure Pakistani officials follow the proper procedures for obtaining visas.
Proper procedure
The UAE government has reiterated that entry will be denied to individuals with diplomatic/official passports if their visas were not secured through the official channels, which are the UAE Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi.
Diplomatic embarrassment
Pakistan's Cabinet Division expressed concern that this SOP violation caused inconvenience for officials at immigration and potentially created diplomatic embarrassment.