The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was updated on Wednesday about the status of work visas for Pakistanis traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The committee was informed that there were no restrictions on UAE work visas, despite concerns about the rising number of Pakistanis involved in begging, which has led to increased scrutiny by Middle Eastern authorities.
A senior Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) official shared that immigration officials had been offloading passengers at airports in an effort to curb this issue. On December 23, the Senate panel had been informed that all Pakistani travelers to the UAE would need police verification before travel. Travel agents were also instructed to adhere to these new regulations.
During Wednesday’s session, Committee Chairman Senator Zeeshan Khanzada reassured that there were no restrictions on UAE work visas. However, Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) Aisam Baig stated that, although the visas were not officially closed, the number of Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE had dropped by 50%.
Baig attributed this decrease to concerns in the UAE regarding Pakistanis begging on visit visas, though he clarified that these individuals were not on work visas. Secretary Arshad Mahmood mentioned that the majority of the immigration sector is handled by private OEPs and emphasized that the UAE is just one of many countries where Pakistanis seek employment.
Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab added that the number of Pakistanis going to the UAE for work is still on the rise, particularly in the construction and service sectors. He noted that a significant portion of workers are highly skilled and travel on direct visas, which contribute more foreign exchange to Pakistan.
Tayyab also pointed out that the UAE was accepting fewer workers from other countries, including India and Bangladesh, not just Pakistan. The committee discussed the police verification requirement for work visas, with Mahmood suggesting that each country has its own verification processes for work visa applicants. Baig emphasized that prospective foreign workers must now obtain a police character certificate.
The committee recommended that the Foreign Ministry investigate any restrictions on visit visas and monitor the situation further.
