ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially implemented a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday that both countries have activated arrangements at their respective airports, enabling visa-free entry for eligible passport holders.
The policy came into effect on July 25, 2025, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abu Dhabi last month.
“Am pleased to confirm that I have been informed by the UAE authorities that the visa waiver for diplomatic and official Pakistani passports entering the United Arab Emirates has been activated, effective July 25, 2025, at all UAE airports,” Dar said in a statement posted on social media platform X.
“Am glad to also confirm that reciprocal arrangements have also been activated for UAE nationals at all Pakistani airports.”
In my meeting at Abu Dhabi on 24th June 2025 with my brother Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we agreed mutual visa waivers on diplomatic and official passports between our two brotherly countries and we both…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 27, 2025
The MoU was signed during a meeting held on 24 June 2025 between Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).
The agreement stipulated that visa exemptions would take effect 30 days after the signing.
Dar described the UAE’s move to grant visa-free access to Pakistani diplomatic and official passport holders as a positive gesture of brotherhood and mutual trust.
He also confirmed that Pakistan had reciprocated by lifting visa requirements for UAE government officials entering Pakistan.
Pakistan, UAE collaboration
In addition to the visa waiver agreement, Pakistan and the UAE signed two other MoUs during the JMC session, including one on collaboration in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, and another on the establishment of a Joint Task Force to promote investment.
A protocol outlining procedural mechanisms for follow-up coordination through sectoral working groups and reciprocal visits was also finalised.
The 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE JMC, held after a gap of 12 years, was co-chaired by Ishaq Dar and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The meeting was held in a spirit of mutual understanding, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the outcomes and agreeing to hold the 13th session of the JMC in Pakistan at mutually agreed dates.
According to Radio Pakistan, the two countries also explored new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure development, and information technology.
The foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region.
