Pakistani Nationals Face New Travel Restrictions Amid Impact on Employment Visas
In response to ongoing concerns over visa restrictions and the involvement of Pakistani nationals in various crimes abroad, the Pakistani government has taken a significant measure by blocking the passports of over 3,000 individuals imprisoned in the UAE. The move comes amidst a complex scenario that involves not only restricted travel rules but also varying quotas for employment visas.
According to official figures, 2,470 Pakistanis are being prosecuted in the UAE for drug-related offenses, 100 for fraud and related crimes, 216 for murder and robbery, 704 for theft-related crimes, and 375 for overstaying in the country. Despite these numbers, the UAE has clarified that it maintains no complete ban on issuing visas for Pakistani nationals, with a caveat that all travelers will need to obtain a police verification report prior to departure, a directive issued by the Bureau of Immigration that applies to all travel cases.
The directive was revealed during a Senate Standing Committee meeting, where concerns about the restrictions on Pakistani nationals were raised. The news was reinforced by Overseas Pakistanis Secretary Arshad Mahmood, who stated that while skilled laborers are still receiving UAE visas, unskilled workers face delays. Notably, the quota for Pakistani workers in the UAE is supposed to have risen to 1.8 million, according to his claims. With 65,000 individuals from Pakistan traveling to the UAE this year, there appears to be some allowance for skilled workers, though there's a reduction in demand for unskilled laborers, he pointed out.
Arshad Mahmood stated that our people are still securing employment in the UAE and contributing to foreign remittances, despite concerns over the ban. He also underlined the need for licensed tour operators to adhere to the rules issued by the Bureau of Immigration. Nonetheless, he noted that getting a certain quota of workers to fulfill its work requirements has become challenging, resulting from the current decline in supply of skilled workers who have documentation needed to get the travel permit easily. Labor organization plays a vital role in how fast this situation gets sorted out efficiently.
The move reflects an attempt by the UAE and Pakistan to streamline and ensure a more controlled immigration process, but it raises questions about the balance between policing and facilitating economic activity between the two countries. The recent developments in travel and visa rules will be under close observation from both governments and the international community, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts to address public security concerns and human resource needs effectively.
