The Pakistani embassy and consulates will remain open on Saturday, August 3, to manage the influx of applicants due to the UAE's announced visa amnesty program.
"This marks the fourth consecutive Saturday that the Pakistan embassy and consulate are open to handle the surge and assist the community. Each Saturday, hundreds of individuals visit the missions to renew their passports and ID cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra)," stated an embassy spokesperson.
"The Pakistani community in the UAE is notified that the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi will be open on Saturday, August 31, 2024, for consular services including passport renewal, Nadra services, and attestation from 9 am to 12 pm," announced a mission statement.
A similar announcement was made by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai to aid community members in the UAE.
The UAE has introduced a visa amnesty program running from September 1 to October 30, 2024, which includes all visa types, such as tourist and expired residency visas. To support amnesty seekers, discounted flight tickets will be provided for those leaving the country.
Approximately 1.7 million Pakistani nationals reside and work in the UAE, with the majority in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. They form the second-largest expat community in the UAE, following the Indian diaspora. Last year, over 230,000 Pakistanis moved to the UAE seeking better opportunities, according to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment and Overseas Employment Corporation. The UAE ranked as the second most popular destination for Pakistanis, accounting for 26.77% of the total migration from South Asian countries in 2023.
