Dozens protest in Kabul against UAE’s refusal to issue visas

KABUL (Pajhwok): A large number of people on Monday protested in Kabul, asking the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to start the visa process as they could not travel to the gulf nation where they have families and businesses.

The protest started at around 10am in the New City Park of Kabul and continued till Zanbak Square.

One of the protesters, Momin Yar Rahmani, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the UAE had stopped issuing visas since several months, leaving many Afghans in trouble.

“Most of the people’s businesses and families are in the UAE, but they are stuck here. The problem must be addressed,” he said. He added that after the political transition in Afghanistan, they could not obtain UAE visas.

Another protester, Mohammad Akram, told Pajhwok Afghan News he had arrived in Kabul from the UAE eight months ago but had not been able to return due to lack of visa. “I have two bakeries and a hotel in Dubai, but I’m stuck here, my business is struggling there,” he added.

A number of other protesters made similar comments, calling on the United Arab Emirates to address their concerns and provide them with visas.

The protesters said they had shared the problem with the foreign ministry which promised to resolve it, but the problem remained unresolved.

Despite repeated attempts, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Pajhwok’s request.

After the political change in Afghanistan, many countries have banned visas for Afghans and it is very difficult to get visas for some other countries including Pakistan and Iran.

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