The Senate Committee confirmed that there are no restrictions on UAE work visas for Pakistanis, although a decrease in Pakistani workers is reported. Increased scrutiny at airports follows concerns about begging. Police verification for travel is to be implemented, as Pakistanis still show significant interest in employment opportunities in the UAE.
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development convened recently to discuss the status of work visas for Pakistanis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Committee Chairman, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, affirmed that there are currently no restrictions on work visas for Pakistani citizens traveling to the UAE. He indicated that any reported issues regarding visa acquisition would be referred to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis for further investigation.
However, concerns about the rising number of Pakistanis engaging in begging within Middle Eastern countries have prompted increased scrutiny of passengers. A Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) official revealed that several travelers have been removed from flights recently to curb this phenomenon. Additionally, the committee was informed that stricter police vetting measures for Pakistani travelers to the UAE may be implemented shortly.
Aisam Baig, an Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP), expressed concerns regarding a reported unofficial closure of UAE visas, noting a notable 50 percent decrease in Pakistani workers migrating for employment in the region. While he acknowledged the UAE’s grievances regarding the begging issue, he clarified that affected individuals usually possessed visit visas rather than work visas.
Despite these challenges, Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab reported an overall increase in skilled Pakistani labor heading to the UAE. According to him, a significant proportion of this workforce is engaged in the construction and service sectors, with many skilled professionals travelling on direct visas, thus contributing substantially to foreign exchange returns for Pakistan.
The meeting included discussions around police verification for work visas, with Mahmood asserting that every country requires verification processes prior to granting work authorization. He underscored the negative implications of sending inadequately qualified individuals abroad. This sentiment was echoed by Tayyab, who emphasized that police verification measures are a necessary step in assuring the quality of professionals being sent overseas.
The article addresses a vital issue concerning the mobility of Pakistani workers seeking employment in the UAE amidst concerns about their involvement in begging activities. The Senate’s discussions reflect the broader context of labor migration, which is an essential aspect of Pakistan’s economy. This meeting reveals the nuances of the visa process, police verification requirements, and the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani migrants, highlighting both governmental and regional dynamics that influence labor mobility.
In summary, the Senate Standing Committee has confirmed that there are no direct restrictions on work visas for Pakistanis intending to migrate to the UAE, despite rising scrutiny over related immigration issues. While statistics suggest a marked decrease in the number of Pakistani workers due to unofficial closures and a crackdown on begging, the overall trend indicates continued demand for skilled Pakistani labor in diverse sectors. The necessity of police verification is emphasized as a measure to enhance the credibility of Pakistani workers abroad.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
