The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, held a meeting to address the difficulties faced by Pakistanis in obtaining visas for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially for Dubai.
During the meeting on Monday, it was revealed that all Pakistani travelers to the UAE are now required to undergo mandatory police verification and vetting. This new policy was introduced due to concerns from Middle Eastern countries regarding the increasing number of Pakistanis involved in begging. Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment Director General Muhammad Tayyab informed the committee that travel agents have been directed to comply with the police verification requirement. “No case of traveling to the UAE will be allowed without police verification,” he stated.
It was also highlighted that UAE authorities are rejecting visas for applicants who cannot show sufficient financial resources to prove their status as legitimate visitors.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada voiced concerns about the public frustration surrounding the ongoing visa issues and emphasized the need for updates on compliance measures and timelines for resolution. He noted the rising dissatisfaction among people who are questioning when the visa problems will be resolved, pointing out that agents claim visas for Dubai are not being issued and that an increasing number of people from other countries are heading to Dubai for work.
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Khanzada also mentioned reports of Pakistanis being deported from Dubai for begging and suggested that travel agents could be summoned to the next meeting if the concerns persist.
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Secretary Arshad Mahmood clarified that there were no specific restrictions on Dubai visas, as each country sets its own policies. He explained that skilled labor faces no obstacles, although the demand for unskilled labor has recently decreased. Mahmood added that approximately 700,000 Pakistani workers had gone abroad this year, with an emphasis on increasing skilled labor opportunities. He noted that the issue of visit visas is handled by the Foreign Office.
The committee decided to invite relevant Foreign Office officials and travel agents to the next meeting to further discuss these matters.
