Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE report experiencing heightened scrutiny and travel restrictions in recent months, with some citing questions about sectarian religious affiliation during immigration processing, according to accounts from affected residents and social media discussions.
The reports, which remain unconfirmed by official UAE government sources, describe instances of Pakistani passport holders being questioned about their religious background—specifically whether they identify as Sunni or Shia—and in some cases experiencing delays or restrictions on exiting and re-entering the country. The accounts have circulated widely in expatriate communities but have not been substantiated through official channels.
Anecdotal Reports and Community Concerns
One Dubai resident with a Golden Visa described her concerns ahead of her husband's upcoming business trip: "We have Pakistani passports with Golden Visa for the past 2 years, have been UAE residents for 20+ years, are Sunni and do not have Shia names," she wrote in a community forum. "I'm worried about his exit and return to Dubai given what's been happening."
The Golden Visa program, introduced as part of the UAE's efforts to attract long-term investors and skilled professionals, offers five or ten-year renewable residency to qualified individuals. Pakistani nationals have been among the beneficiaries of the program, which aims to enhance the Emirates' competitiveness in attracting global talent.
However, recent social media posts suggest some Golden Visa holders from Pakistan have encountered unexpected difficulties. Other accounts describe similar concerns from Pakistani professionals who have resided in the UAE for decades, contributing to the country's economic development across sectors from construction to finance to healthcare.
Context: Regional Security Dynamics
The reported scrutiny, if accurate, would come amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran and its regional proxies. The UAE has historically maintained a pragmatic approach to security, balancing openness to diverse expatriate communities with careful monitoring of potential security threats. Pakistani nationals represent one of the largest expatriate groups in the Emirates, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.


