Dubai visit visas: Five nationalities must carry Dh2,000 and a return ticket to enter emirate

Tourists and jobseekers from five countries in South Asia must meet certain requirements to fly into the emirate, airlines and travel agencies said on Monday.

Pakistanis, Indians, Nepalis, Bangladeshis and Afghans arriving on visit visas must carry at least Dh2,000 ($545) and have a return ticket.

Proof of a hotel stay or the details of a relative's address are also required.

Pakistan International Airlines and several travel agencies shared official documents from Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs immigration service that set out the requirements.

More than 1,200 Pakistanis and up to 200 Indians have been denied entry into Dubai since last Tuesday, after failing to meet these requirements.

"We've been receiving notifications from airlines and immigration authorities about this," Alan Orong, from Dubai's South Travel and Tourism, told The National.

“There are five nationalities who are involved in this – Pakistanis, Nepalis, Bangladeshis, Indians and Afghans.

"They need to a have valid round-trip ticket from their city of departure and sufficient funds. They need to be able to show they have Dh2,000 in hand.”

Mr Orong said Sharjah immigration officials sent the notifications.

Of the 1,225 Pakistani passengers, mostly blue-collar workers on visit visas, more than 1,000 have already been sent home, the General Consulate of Pakistan in Dubai said.

About 200 are waiting for repatriation at Dubai International Airport.

Ibrahim Elshamy, from Dubai travel agency Reds Travel and Tourism, said it had begun to notify its clients about the rules.

He said that for many years passengers were required to produce a return ticket and show they had enough money to live off.

“I think the rule is being