Pakistan and UAE Sign Visa Exemption Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, allowing holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries to travel visa-free. The agreement was signed on June 24, 2025, during the 12th session of the Pakistan–UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Abu Dhabi. This move is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and promote high-level exchanges between the two nations.
Details of the Agreement
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries exempts holders of diplomatic and official/service passports from the requirement of obtaining visas prior to travel. This applies to government officials, diplomats, and other designated persons traveling for official purposes. The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, and the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This mutual understanding reflects a broader commitment to ease mobility for government officials and to streamline diplomatic engagement between the two nations. It is expected to facilitate smoother diplomatic missions, encourage intergovernmental collaboration, and enhance strategic discussions at various levels.
No Change for Ordinary Passport Holders
It’s important to note that this visa exemption does not apply to ordinary passport holders from either country. Pakistani citizens holding regular passports will still need to apply for a visa before traveling to the UAE, and vice versa for UAE nationals visiting Pakistan. The terms of this agreement are exclusively for those carrying diplomatic or official passports, which are typically issued to individuals serving in government, diplomatic, or international positions.
The general public, especially travelers seeking employment, tourism, or family visits, will continue to follow the usual visa process as per the existing immigration rules.
Significance of the Joint Ministerial Commission
The signing of the visa exemption agreement took place during the 12th session of the Pakistan–UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, a high-level bilateral platform that had been dormant for over a decade. The last session was held in 2013, making this year’s revival particularly significant. The renewed commission aims to boost cooperation across multiple domains, including trade, investment, technology, education, and culture.
In addition to the visa MoU, several other agreements and discussions took place, particularly in areas such as
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy
Mutual Investment Opportunities
Energy and Infrastructure Projects
Labour and Skilled Workforce Exchange
These developments underscore the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE, two nations that already share deep cultural, economic, and political ties.
A Step Toward Greater Regional Integration
The visa exemption agreement is being viewed as a step toward greater regional integration, particularly among countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Asia. It opens the door for further facilitation in official and diplomatic travel, potentially paving the way for broader agreements in the future that might benefit business leaders, skilled professionals, or students.
For Pakistan, the move signals improved standing in regional diplomacy, especially with key partners in the Middle East. For the UAE, it highlights its continued interest in investing in and maintaining strong relations with South Asia’s second-largest country.
Economic and Diplomatic Impact
The agreement is likely to enhance bilateral diplomacy, allowing for more fluid communication between both governments and faster execution of joint projects. It also indicates a mutual trust and a desire to cut bureaucratic red tape when it comes to official dealings.
Additionally, this development could potentially stimulate interest in joint economic initiatives, especially as both countries look to modernize their economies through technology, digital transformation, and investment in renewable energy.
Public Response and Next Steps
While the agreement is largely symbolic and operational at the diplomatic level, it has been welcomed by political analysts and foreign policy experts in both countries. It reflects an effort to deepen cooperation and align mutual interests.
For ordinary citizens, however, the lack of change in visa policy might be disappointing, especially given the large number of Pakistanis living and working in the UAE. According to recent estimates, over 1.5 million Pakistani expatriates reside in the UAE, making it one of the largest overseas communities from Pakistan. Calls for easing visa procedures for skilled and semi-skilled workers remain, but such changes would likely require separate labor agreements.
Conclusion
The visa exemption agreement between Pakistan and the UAE for diplomatic and official passport holders is a meaningful advancement in bilateral relations. While its immediate impact is limited to government-level exchanges, it sets a positive tone for future cooperation. As both nations seek to deepen their economic and political engagement, such initiatives are crucial steps toward building long-term, strategic partnerships.
Whether this agreement leads to broader reforms in mobility and migration between the two nations remains to be seen, but for now, it is a welcome development in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reference: پاکستان اور یو اے ای کا سرکاری پاسپورٹ رکھنے والوں کیلئے ویزا سے استثنیٰ کا معاہدہ