UAE eases visa issuance for Pakistanis as 402,000 depart in four months

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has eased visa issuance for Pakistani citizens, with 402,000 Pakistanis travelling to the Gulf nation in the last four months, according to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.

The ministry said visa-related difficulties for Pakistanis are decreasing, following discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UAE officials on the sidelines of the World Government Summit.

During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, Secretary Arshad Mahmood confirmed the positive progress. He stated that Pakistan’s embassy in the UAE is in regular contact with local authorities to further ease visa restrictions.

“The government has raised the issue of visas for semi-skilled and unskilled workers with the highest authorities in the UAE,” Mahmood said. “A meeting has been requested with UAE officials to discuss lifting the remaining restrictions, but it has not been scheduled yet.”

He clarified that there are no obstacles for skilled and qualified workers seeking UAE visas.

Concerns over criminal activity and anti-begging law

For months, UAE authorities have raised concerns over incidents of Pakistani nationals begging and engaging in criminal activities. In response, Pakistan recently passed a law to impose heavy fines and imprisonment on those who travel abroad for begging, specifically targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries.

Pakistani authorities have also decided to place 4,300 suspected beggars on a no-fly list following complaints from Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan pushes for work visa restoration

The Senate committee directed the government to prioritize the restoration of work visas with the UAE. The ministry also informed the committee that Pakistan aims to deport 850,000 undocumented migrants this year, while the number of Pakistanis in some European countries is increasing.

Crackdown on human trafficking

Officials also briefed the committee on a fraud case involving Pakistani nurses sent to Saudi Arabia. They confirmed that the main suspect has been arrested and legal proceedings are underway. The committee has requested full records of the case, including ongoing legal actions and the FIR against the accused.