UAE 5-year, multiple-entry visa: Pakistani expats welcome move; plan to invest, bring families
The newly launched five year multiple entry visa is granting a lot of ease and excitement to many Pakistani expatriates residing in the UAE and abroad. Fariya Iqbal, one of the teachers residing in Sharjah’s Al Tawoon area, is picturing the myriad possibilities for her family’s future — from bringing her older family members over to starting a small business in the Emirates after realizing unused land back home.
“I know so many people, including myself, who would consider moving our base to UAE if everything goes ahead as planned,” mentioned Iqbal.
"We have unused properties in Pakistan. With the launch of this visa, our parents can now come live with us and travel more easily. I know many people who would think about changing their base. This place already feels like home and this visa just enforces that,” added Iqbal.
Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, the Philippines’ ambassador to Pakistan confirmed the details saying that Pakistanis can now obtain a five year multiple entry visa. The announcement came on the back of issues that were sorted out between the two countries.
As per the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of Dubai, this visa permits multiple visits over five years without a local sponsor. Tourists are permitted to stay for a maximum of up to 90 days, which can also be expanded to 180 days within a year.
‘The phones are ringing off the hook’
Immediately after the announcement, there was a drastic increase in the amount of calls and messages travel agencies in the UAE began receiving regarding the visa application process.
Dr Zafar Tahir Rizvi, partner in a Dubai based travel agency says, “Calls have been pouring in from Pakistanis residing here, and in the Gulf, Europe, and even the US.”
“Everyone is eager to know what the application process is and when they are allowed to proceed. There are still some gaps in information that we are waiting for, but what I can tell you is that the level of interest is crazy. Even green card holders residing in the states have reached out asking how this visa changes things for them in terms of partial relocation to the UAE,” Dr Zafar said.
“This Visa in my view is not only changing the traveling game but also many Pakistani families houses,” he remarked.
“Skilled professionals who are overseas will have great opportunities here. People won’t have to be fretting over whether they can live together because of renewals every few months,” he further added.
He emphasized that the visa should also come with health insurance. “If the multiple entry visa comes with medical cover, it would make a huge difference. The healthcare in UAE is great and this will ensure people’s tranquility,” he stated.
Abbas Khan of Muna Travels in Deira stated that his team has started gathering contact information from people so they can contact them when the application process officially kicks off. "We have had nonstop enquiries ever since the announcement was made. Many people from the US, UK, and even the Gulf regions are already discussing how this visa can assist them in starting something new over here," said Khan.
My family can now stay for extended periods of time.
Awais Ahmed, an engineer toiled in Oud Metha while living in International City, said that the visa will allow for his parents and other relatives to come spend time with his kids.
“My children and wife have recently relocated to Dubai and they are diehard fans of my parents. Through this announcement my parents can come and live here whenever they like. They currently only chat to them via video calls. It’s such a big deal for families like us,” Awais said.
Mohammed Shuaib, an engineer at Emirates Telecom Ajman, believes this will make family visits smoother. “For every single call that we needed to make to our siblings or relatives, we had to prepare documents, send invites and had to wait for approval,” he noted. “Now they can freely travel at their own convenience for weddings, births and emergencies. So much stress is lifted.”
Pakistani residents already had a sizable shift in perspective towards their future and this visa seems to continue adjusting the perception for the better. Fariya remarked with, “This feels like a dream. We have waited a long time for something of this nature.”
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