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Visiting Pakistanis should have separate passports for wards

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Imran Mirza, Head of Chancery at the Consulate-General, said this law was applicable to all Pakistanis visiting the UAE since the UAE government introduced the law requiring citizens of seven countries, including Pakistanis, to acquire separate passports for minors in May this year.

Officially, the Pakistan Consulate has been asked by the UAE government to ensure all Pakistanis have separate passports by September. Availing of the grace period from May to September, several Pakistani expats left for their home country on vacation. Though the residents of the UAE are not facing problems upon their return as they have a deadline of September 1, people coming on a visit might be affected. "It should not be a big issue as all countries in the world now require travellers to have separate passports," he added.

Meanwhile, according to reports, several ticket-issuing authorities in Pakistan are re-confirming the passport status of minors to people intending to travel to the UAE. "My wife and minor child have been warned by travel agents in Pakistan that they may not be allowed entry into UAE unless a separate passport was obtained for my child," said Farasat Ali, adding: "I have the visit visa ready for my family, but I was unaware of this. Otherwise, I would have made the necessary arrangements."

"It is in their favour for all Pakistanis residing in the UAE to acquire separate passports for their dependants as soon as possible," said Mirza.

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