The Senate committee confirmed no restrictions on UAE work visas for Pakistanis but noted a decrease in applications due to increased screening and requiring police verification. The discussion highlighted the importance of addressing concerns over begging and ensuring quality standards for labor migration, with emphasis on ongoing demand for skilled Pakistani workers in the UAE.
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development recently confirmed that there are no restrictions on Pakistani nationals seeking work visas for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Amid rising concerns over Pakistani nationals engaged in begging in the region, authorities have initiated close screening of travelers. Despite projective measures, Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig indicated an unofficial halt in visa approvals, resulting in a 50% decline in Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE. However, reports suggest that skilled labor continues to flow into the UAE, particularly within the construction and service sectors, reflecting ongoing demand for Pakistani workers.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, the committee’s chairman, emphasized that any concerns regarding visa issues for Pakistanis should be directed to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. The committee heard from various officials, including Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab and Secretary Arshad Mahmood, who underscored the importance of the private sector’s role in the immigration landscape. They noted that police verification would be mandatory for work visas to ensure quality labor migration and assist in restoring the UAE’s confidence in hiring Pakistani nationals. Despite the challenges, there remains optimism regarding the continuous movement of Pakistani workers to various countries for employment opportunities.
The topic centers around the current state of work visas for Pakistani nationals wishing to travel to the UAE amidst scrutiny and regulation due to increasing instances of begging. The UAE government has expressed concerns leading to enhanced immigration procedures and screening, influencing the flow of Pakistani workers. The discussion highlights the balance between maintaining labor exports while ensuring that the standards and conditions for those seeking employment abroad are upheld. Officials from the Pakistani government, including members of the Senate Committee and the Bureau of Immigration, are addressing these challenges and working to streamline the visa acquisition process, which involves police verification of credentials.
In conclusion, while no formal restrictions exist on Pakistani work visas for the UAE, recent developments indicate a shift in visa approvals and heightened scrutiny over applicants due to concerns about begging. The discussion within the Senate Committee reflects the need to improve the quality of labor exports and maintain international relations while ensuring Pakistani workers can secure employment abroad. The ongoing collaboration between governmental bodies and Overseas Employment Promoters will be critical in addressing these concerns and enhancing the movement of skilled labor.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
