Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, has clarified that there are no restrictions on work visas for Pakistanis traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“If Pakistanis encounter issues obtaining a work visa, these matters will be referred to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis,” he stated during a Senate standing committee meeting on Wednesday.
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The senator’s remarks come in response to media reports alleging that the UAE had proposed a visa ban on Pakistanis, citing concerns over a rise in nationals involved in begging.
To address this trend, Director General of the Bureau of Immigration, Muhammad Tayyab, informed the committee last month that Pakistani citizens traveling to Gulf countries, including the UAE, must now provide a police verification report. This measure ensures that no individual departs for the Gulf without proper clearance. Furthermore, all travel agents facilitating UAE travel were instructed to comply with the new requirement.
During the meeting, travel agents briefed the committee on concerns related to the alleged UAE visa ban.
Aisam Baig, an Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP), claimed that UAE visas have been “unofficially closed” for the past year, resulting in a 50% reduction in Pakistani workers traveling to the Gulf state. He attributed this to UAE authorities’ concerns over the increasing number of Pakistani nationals engaging in begging. Baig urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the matter with Emirati officials.
Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Arshad Mahmood highlighted that 90% of Pakistan’s immigration sector is privately operated, adding that the country faces challenges due to sending “substandard workers” to the UAE.
Muhammad Tayyab also noted that travel trends to the UAE fluctuate, with 64% of Pakistani workers being skilled and 36% unskilled. He pointed out that the UAE has also reduced visa approvals for nationals of other countries, including India and Bangladesh.
The standing committee recommended that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs investigate the issue of visit visa restrictions.
UAE Visa Policy
Addressing the rumors of restrictions, UAE Consul General Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi stated last month, “Anyone wishing to obtain a visa should visit the UAE visa center.”
Earlier, in an appearance on Geo News’ program Geo Pakistan in August, the consul general revealed that visa approvals are linked to applicants’ social media activity. He advised people to be mindful of their digital footprint, as online activity could influence visa decisions.
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“Whatever you share or like on social media leaves a digital footprint, whether it’s positive or negative, and these activities can result in visa rejection or a ban,” he explained.
The envoy also expressed concerns about behavior that could lead to unrest in the UAE, stressing that such actions are incompatible with the country’s culture and laws. “People work round the clock here. Blocking roads or spreading misinformation is unacceptable and strictly prohibited under UAE regulations,” he stated.