No Restriction on UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis, Senate Committee Informed
No Restriction on UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis, Senate Committee Informed
On Wednesday, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was told that no restrictions have been imposed on work visas for Pakistanis heading to the United Arab Emirates.
The growing dissatisfaction of the Middle Eastern countries over the increasing number of Pakistanis that are engaged in begging has prompted the authorities to take action as they have initiated a thorough screening of passengers traveling to those locations.A senior official from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said that immigration personnel at airports have removed several passengers from flights over the past few months in an effort to deter this trend.
On December 23, a Senate panel was told that all Pakistani travelers to the United Arab Emirates would have to undergo vetting and verification by the police. Moreover, he said that travel agents had also been given instructions.
During the meeting held on Wednesday, Committee Chairman Senator Zeeshan Khanzada stated that there exists “no restriction on UAE work visas” and further remarked that should Pakistanis encounter difficulties in obtaining a work visa, the matter would be escalated to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.
Nevertheless, Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) Aisam Baig notified the committee that visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had been “unofficially closed,” resulting in a 50 percent reduction in the number of Pakistani workers traveling to that destination.
OEPs assist workers in seeking employment in other countries.Baig said, “The UAE government was worried that Pakistanis are begging in the country, but they are here on visit visas, not work visas.Secretary Arshad Mahmood revealed that 90 percent of the immigration sector had private OEPs. He believed that, in fact, Pakistanis didn’t have such options as working abroad in countries like the UAE, where they could relocate.
He said, “We think that even though the numbers are down, many Pakistanis will still travel.” Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab said that more Pakistanis were traveling to the UAE, with 64% of the workers being skilled.
“Right now, 46% are going to the UAE construction sector and 38% are working in the service sector,” he said. “About 20% are using OEPs, while 8% of highly skilled workers like doctors are getting direct visas.”
Tayyab said that people who travel on a direct visa send back more money from abroad. He also mentioned that the UAE is letting in fewer people from other countries and from Pakistan. “They are letting in fewer people from India and Bangladesh, too,” he said. “It is not only about accepting fewer Pakistanis.” PPP Senator Shahadat Awan asked if police checks have been done for every visa to the UAE.
“Every country needs to verify credentials for work visas, and each country has tests. The Higher Education Commission has also verified credentials,” Mahmood responded.“Sending substandard people is working against us,” he stated.Tayyab said that the Bureau of Immigration could only discuss police checks for work visas because visit visas are not their job. “Police checks are needed for work visas,” he confirmed.
Baig elaborated on the police verification process and said that, according to the Pakistani ambassador, prospective foreign workers need to obtain a police character certificate. He hailed this requirement as a “good move.””
Mahmood asked, “What is the problem with UAE? Our people are going there, and if demand increases, more people will go.”
The committee recommended that the Foreign Ministry look into the issue of visa restrictions.
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