‘Treated like criminals’: UAE-based Pak man detained 12 hours, denied entry to Georgia despite UAE residency | World News

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Several UAE residents travelling to Georgia for the Eid Al Adha holidays have been refused entry at Kutaisi International Airport under new visa regulations implemented by Georgia on April 17, 2025. The changes were introduced through an amendment to the Government Resolution of June 5, 2015, and impact nationals from multiple countries, even if they hold valid UAE residence permits. The updated policy no longer allows visa-free access to certain nationalities based solely on short-term Gulf visas or residency permits. Only travellers holding multiple-entry GCC visas or residence permits with at least one year of validity at the time of entry can now enter Georgia without a Georgian visa. Despite Georgia continuing to allow visa-free entry to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, and allowing UAE visa or residence permit holders to stay for up to 90 days, several individuals from the subcontinent with valid UAE residency have reported being turned away and detained.

Muhammad, a 31-year-old Pakistani national and senior product manager based in Abu Dhabi, flew to Kutaisi with a friend on a Wizz Air flight for Eid holidays. Although they had UAE residency, hotel bookings, return tickets, and insurance, they were stopped before immigration and denied entry without explanation. In a Reddit post, Muhammad wrote:“We were excited for a short, peaceful vacation. But the moment we landed, things turned into a nightmare.” He explained that as soon as immigration officials heard they were Pakistani, they were pulled aside. “As soon as we landed, even before immigration counter they asked where are we from. We told them we are UAE residents and Pakistani nationals.” “They heard ‘Pakistan’ and a guy from the police asked us to come on the side, took our passports, took our pictures in front of all people, which was very humiliating,” he claimed. “We had all the required documents, UAE residency proof, hotel bookings, return tickets, and travel insurance. Some passengers were stopped before boarding, but we were cleared to fly.” He told Khaleej Times After being escorted aside, Muhammad and his friend were detained in what he described as a “prison-like room” for over 12 hours, without food, clean water, or proper sanitation. “We were detained for over 12+ hours, locked in a prison-like room with no access to food or proper water. The bathroom was filthy,” he revealed. “When we asked why, they simply said: We cannot tell you.” He added: “No reason. No proof. No violation. Just a vague statement. We requested clarification, even politely asked for some justification. They kept refusing and misbehaving like we are some criminals.” He also claimed airport authorities tried to snatch his phone when he attempted to call the Pakistan Embassy. “The officers were rude, racist, and unjust, plain and simple,” he wrote. “We feel humiliated. We feel angry. We feel dehumanized. And we’ll never forget this experience.” Muhammad stated that the experience wasn’t just about financial loss, even though he had already spent money on flights, hotel bookings, insurance, car rental, and other travel arrangements.“But that’s nothing compared to the mental distress, anxiety, and psychological damage we experienced.”

Revised entry rules: One-year minimum validity now mandatory

The changes to Georgia’s visa policy now state that citizens from designated countries who hold multiple-entry visas or residence permits from GCC states will only be allowed visa-free entry if their visa or permit is valid for at least one year on the date of entry. Travellers must provide documentation to prove this. Previously, the regulation did not specify a minimum validity period. Travel agents in the UAE confirmed that cases like Muhammad’s have occurred since the new rules took effect. “What Georgia has implemented now is nothing new and many countries have been doing this for years. The reason why Georgia is now tightening its security measures is because people would often not have a proper itinerary or would book tickets without answering all the required questions on the form.” Godly Babukutty, a travel agent in the UAE, told Khaleej Times.He advised that travellers should ensure hotel bookings, return tickets, insurance, and proof of funds are ready before flying, and added: “This is why it is always safer to book through travel agencies who ensure travellers have all the necessary documentation before flying out. We also urge our customers to never travel without insurance.”

Affected nationalities and rising complaints of discrimination

The updated visa policy specifically applies to nationals of the following countries:

Travellers from these countries will not be granted visa-free access to Georgia based solely on holding a Gulf visa or permit, unless it is valid for at least one year. In the Reddit thread where Muhammad shared his experience, several others echoed similar incidents: “This happened to my friend from India, he was sent back from the Georgia airport with absolutely no reason whatsoever. They are messed up racists!!” “My cousins who live in Kuwait most of their life but are Indians were sent back without any reason. This is very normal with Georgia visa on arrival. They can reject anyone if they’re not in the mood to give visa,” one commenter claimed. “They target many Indians too… very risky to go to Georgia due to that reason, best to avoid it,” said another.

Georgia denies easing entry and cautions against misreporting

Georgia’s government clarified that the amendment is designed to tighten existing immigration rules, and rejected claims that the changes simplify visa access. An official statement emphasized that misinterpretations circulating in media or on social platforms are false and do not reflect the content or intent of the changes. The new measures, Georgia says, are aimed at combating illegal migration and strengthening control over its borders.