304 Pakistani passengers stranded at Dubai Airport due to lack of entry requirements

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

As many as 300 Pakistanis traveling on visit visas have been stranded at the two terminals of Dubai International Airport due to the inability to fulfill the local requirements of enough funds and staying documents.

According to the official statement issued by the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai and Northern Emirates to the media, 304 passengers aboard two flights from Pakistan have been stranded at the Dubai Airport.

"Pakistani passengers traveling on visit/tourist visas on the flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and flydubai on Oct 13 were denied entry to UAE as they were unable present the ‘minimum required fund’ (AED2000). On the other hand, many lacked documents,” the statement said.

An official said a circular from the immigration authorities stated that Pakistani visitors on tourist visas have to show they have Dh2,000 and hotel booking. It was also stated the traveler must prove they have relatives whom they are visiting.

The consulate officials have assured to sort out the matter with local authorities while offering food and other assistance to the stranded passengers.

It was also learned that many passengers seeking jobs were on board without return tickets. Some did not have hotel accommodation proof, whereas many were planning to stay with their family or friends.