No Ban on UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis, Senate Body Clarifies | UAE visa policy | 2025

 

No Ban on UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis, Senate Body Clarifies | UAE visa policy | 2025

No Ban on UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis, Senate Body Clarifies

 

The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development recently addressed rumors regarding a potential ban on work visas for Pakistanis wishing to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Senator Zeeshan Khanzada confirmed that there were no restrictions on work visas for Pakistanis traveling to the UAE. He further clarified that any issues regarding visa applications would be forwarded to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis for review and resolution.

 

This announcement comes in the wake of media reports suggesting that the UAE had proposed a ban on work visas for Pakistanis, reportedly due to an increase in nationals engaging in begging activities in the country. The UAE government has expressed concerns over the rising number of Pakistanis involved in such activities, which have led to the increase in scrutiny and stricter immigration measures.

 

UAE Visa Policy and Conditions for Pakistani Workers

 

Aisam Baig, an Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP), highlighted that UAE visas had been "unofficially closed" for a year, with a notable 50% decrease in the number of Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE. He attributed this decline to concerns raised by the UAE government regarding the social conduct of some Pakistani nationals, particularly the issue of begging.

 

In response to these concerns, the UAE authorities have implemented stricter immigration requirements. Director General of the Bureau of Immigration, Muhammad Tayyab, informed the committee that Pakistani travelers to the UAE now need to provide a police verification report. This measure applies to all individuals intending to travel to Gulf countries, ensuring that only those with proper clearance are allowed to leave the country. Additionally, travel agents have been instructed to adhere to these new requirements.

 

Concerns Over Substandard Workers and Immigration Trends

 

Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, Arshad Mahmood, noted that the majority of Pakistan's immigration sector was operated privately, which posed challenges in ensuring that only qualified workers were sent to countries like the UAE. He emphasized that the export of substandard workers was contributing to the setbacks in securing work visas for Pakistanis.

 

According to Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab, the trends in UAE immigration show that 64% of travelers are skilled workers, while 36% are unskilled workers. However, the UAE has also been accepting fewer workers from other countries, including India and Bangladesh, indicating that these changes are part of a broader shift in the UAE’s visa policies.

 

UAE Consulate Responds to Visa Issuance Concerns

 

To address the growing concerns, UAE Consul General Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi clarified that there were no official visa bans on Pakistani nationals. He also emphasized that anyone wishing to obtain a visa should visit the UAE visa center directly. Dr. Al Remeithi also stressed the importance of social media activity in the UAE’s visa application process. He stated that the UAE scrutinizes applicants' social media footprints, warning that any controversial or inappropriate content could lead to visa rejection or a ban.

 

FAQs About UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis

 

1. **Is there a ban on UAE work visas for Pakistanis?**

No, there is no official ban on work visas for Pakistanis. The rumors about such a ban have been clarified by the Senate Standing Committee, which confirmed that there are no restrictions on Pakistanis seeking work visas for the UAE.

 

2. **Why has there been a decrease in Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE?**

The decrease is attributed to several factors, including concerns over the rising number of Pakistanis engaging in begging activities within the UAE. Additionally, the UAE has introduced stricter immigration measures, such as requiring police verification reports from Pakistani travelers.

 

3. **What is the UAE's stance on social media activity for visa applicants?**

The UAE authorities now assess applicants' social media activity as part of their visa application process. Any inappropriate or controversial posts may result in a visa rejection or a ban from entering the UAE.

 

4. **Are police verification reports now required for all Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE?**

Yes, as part of the new immigration measures, all Pakistani citizens intending to travel to the UAE are required to provide a police verification report, ensuring that only those with proper clearance are allowed to leave the country.

 

5. **Are other countries also facing stricter visa policies from the UAE?**

Yes, the UAE has been tightening its visa policies for workers from other countries, including India and Bangladesh. The UAE is becoming more selective about the number and quality of workers allowed to enter the country.

 

 

یہ ہیں اس خبر کے اہم نکات:

1.    پاکستانیوں کے ورک ویزوں پر کوئی پابندی نہیں: متحدہ عرب امارات نے پاکستانیوں کے ورک ویزوں پر کوئی رسمی پابندی نہیں لگائی۔ سینیٹ کمیٹی میں اس بارے میں بات کی گئی، لیکن کوئی سرکاری پابندیاں نہیں ہیں۔

 

2.    سفر کے مسائل: کچھ سفری ایجنٹس نے بتایا کہ متحدہ عرب امارات جانے والے پاکستانی کارکنوں کی تعداد میں 50 فیصد کمی آئی ہے۔ ایک پاکستانی افسر نے یو اے ای میں پاکستانیوں کے بھیک مانگنے کے بڑھتے ہوئے مسئلے پر تشویش کا اظہار کیا۔

 

 

3.    ویزا کے تقاضے: نئی ہدایات کے تحت پاکستانی مسافروں کو یو اے ای جانے سے پہلے پولیس تصدیق رپورٹ ضروری ہوگی۔ تمام سفری ایجنٹس کو اس قاعدے کی پابندی کرنی ہوگی۔

 

4.    ہنر مند بمقابلہ غیر ہنر مند کارکن: متحدہ عرب امارات پاکستان سے زیادہ ہنر مند کارکنوں کو قبول کرتا ہے، جس میں 64 فیصد ہنر مند اور 36 فیصد غیر ہنر مند کارکن ہیں۔ یو اے ای دیگر ممالک جیسے بھارت اور بنگلہ دیش سے بھی کم کارکن قبول کر رہا ہے۔

5.    سوشل میڈیا کی نگرانی: یو اے ای ویزا درخواست دہندگان کی سوشل میڈیا سرگرمیوں کو مانیٹر کر رہا ہے۔ اگر کوئی شخص غیر مناسب یا نقصان دہ مواد شیئر کرتا ہے تو اس کے ویزا کی درخواست مسترد ہو سکتی ہے یا پابندی لگ سکتی ہے۔

 

6.    نجی شعبے کا کردار: پاکستان کا بیشتر امیگریشن شعبہ نجی ہے، جس کی وجہ سے غیر ہنر مند کارکنوں کی برآمد میں مسائل آ رہے ہیں۔

 

 

7.    یو اے ای کی تشویش: متحدہ عرب امارات نے کچھ غیر ملکی شہریوں کے بارے میں تشویش کا اظہار کیا ہے جو ملک کے قوانین اور ثقافت کے خلاف فساد پھیلاتے ہیں اور غلط معلومات پھیلاتے ہیں۔