- Pakistanis applying for UAE work visas must now provide a police character certificate.
- The requirement is part of new rules aimed at preventing illegal activities.
- A Bureau of Emigration notification highlights this as mandatory for UAE-bound workers.
UAE Work Visa Update for Pakistanis:
UAE Work Visa Update for Pakistanis: In a significant development, Pakistanis seeking work visas for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now required to submit a police character certificate as part of the application process. This latest UAE work visa update for Pakistanis comes amid tightened visa regulations prompted by complaints of illegal activities involving Pakistani nationals in the Gulf nation.
New Requirement for UAE Work Visas
The Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment issued a notification highlighting this new requirement. It stated, “A letter received from the Pakistan Airports Authority on the subject noted above wherein PAA conveyed the directions to seek a police character certificate from UAE-bound intending emigrants prior to protector registration.”
The directive further emphasized that all Protectorate Offices must ensure compliance and circulate this information to Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs). This UAE work visa update for Pakistanis aims to improve accountability and curb criminal activities that have tarnished Pakistan’s reputation abroad.
Collaborative Efforts to Curb Illegal Activities
This stricter measure reflects Islamabad and Abu Dhabi’s collaborative efforts to address issues related to illegal activities by certain individuals that have complicated the visa process for legitimate workers. The UAE has expressed concerns over the involvement of some Pakistani nationals in criminal activities, with reports citing over 5,000 Pakistanis currently imprisoned in the Gulf country.
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Challenges Facing Pakistani Workers
The implementation of stricter rules comes as many Pakistanis, particularly blue-collar workers, face difficulties in obtaining UAE work visas. Recent reports suggest that the UAE has placed residents from 24 Pakistani cities on a “No-Visa List,” targeting areas associated with visa misuse and fraud.
Despite rumors of a complete visa ban, the Pakistani Foreign Office has clarified that visa issuance remains the UAE’s sovereign decision. However, the situation is notably challenging for younger, single men, whose applications are reportedly scrutinized more thoroughly.
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Prospects
This UAE work visa update for Pakistanis has sparked discussions in both diplomatic and parliamentary circles in Pakistan. Efforts are underway to address the root causes of these challenges and restore trust between the two countries.
Adhering to these new requirements could help improve relations and create better opportunities for Pakistani workers in the UAE.
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