UAE SUSPENDS ISSUANCE OF VISITOR VISAS TO 12 COUNTRIES: CHECK LIST HERE! 

The United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended the issuance of new visas to visitors from Pakistan and 11 other countries until further notice. 

The big decision has been taken by the UAE authorities which is "believed to be related to the second wave of COVID-19," as per Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri. 

"We have learnt that the UAE has temporarily suspended the issuance of new visit visas until further announcement for 12 countries, including Pakistan," he said according to a statement. He also added that the government is seeking official confirmation from the UAE authorities in this matter.

The Foreign Officer further assured that, the suspension would not apply on already issued visas. Also, it is not clear how many categories of visas would be affected by the suspension. 

Looking into the categories, the UAE has various visa categories, including business, tourist, transit and student. While the countries which are hit by the UAE government's fresh visa directives include Turkey, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Libya, Kenya and Afghanistan.

Earlier in June, when COVID-19 cases in Pakistan were on the rise, UAE airline Emirates had announced temporary suspension of passenger services from Pakistan till July 3. Even in August, Kuwait's aviation banned flights to Pakistan and 30 other countries as 'high risk' due to the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Looking into the latest reports, the number of cases has been rising in Pakistan since last month. Even authorities have declared that the country has been witnessing the second wave of COVID-19. 

Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Imran Khan had urged the people to stay safe to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. So far the coronavirus has infected 363,380 people and claimed 7,230 lives in Pakistan.