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Foreign ministers

Pakistan and UAE Strengthen Diplomatic Ties and Ease Visa Requirements

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened their diplomatic ties, with Pakistani holders of diplomatic and official passports no longer requiring a visa to visit the UAE, effective August 1. This move follows a historic visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, who chaired the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) for the first time in 12 years. The JMC produced significant outcomes, including the mutual exemption of entry visa requirements, the establishment of a joint task force for investments, and an agreement on artificial intelligence and digital economy collaboration. The two countries have also committed to enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, regional development cooperation, and labor cooperation to benefit the large Pakistani diaspora in the UAE.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UAE has exempted Pakistani holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements, effective August 1.
  • Pakistan and the UAE have signed three key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): mutual exemption of entry visa requirements, joint task force for investments, and collaboration on artificial intelligence and digital economy.
  • The Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) provided a roadmap for future cooperation, focusing on inter-ministerial coordination and working groups.
  • Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar met with UAE officials to review trade, investment, energy, telecommunications, and employment opportunities for Pakistani workers in the UAE.
  • A working group meeting focused on ongoing and future development cooperation, particularly in the hydroelectric power sector, including the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
  • Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi held meetings with key UAE stakeholders to discuss measures to curb illegal activities, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance employment opportunities for Pakistanis in the UAE.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan and the UAE have established a joint task force for investments, effective August 1.
  • The UAE has exempted Pakistani holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements, effective August 1.
  • The Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) has set up a working group to enhance inter-ministerial coordination and follow-up through working groups.
  • Pakistani and UAE officials have agreed to enhance regional development cooperation to benefit the large Pakistani diaspora in the UAE.
  • Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar met with UAE officials to review the JMC agenda, focusing on trade, investment, energy, telecommunications, and employment opportunities.

Sources:

  • Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, interview
  • The Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) for the first time in 12 years, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar
  • Etisalat's Group CEO and the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, meetings with Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi
  • UAE Minister of State, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, working group meeting with Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister

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