The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development has announced that police verification is now compulsory for Pakistani citizens traveling to the UAE.
This new rule applies particularly to those seeking employment visas, as the committee addressed concerns over the UAE’s unofficial visa restrictions and challenges faced by Pakistani travelers.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that no Pakistani traveler would be allowed to fly to the UAE without police verification. Muhammad Tayyab, Director General of the Bureau of Emigration of Overseas Employment, confirmed that travel agents had been informed of the new requirement.
The committee, led by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, discussed the rising difficulty in securing UAE visas, with many travelers facing rejection. The UAE has reportedly increased scrutiny of Pakistani travelers due to concerns about criminal activities and unlawful practices like begging.
However, Secretary Minister Arshad Mahmood clarified that there is no outright ban on visas. He mentioned that while there is a decline in the demand for unskilled labor, the UAE continues to welcome skilled workers.
Over 700,000 Pakistani workers have already gone abroad this year, and the focus is shifting towards sending more skilled professionals.
In addition, the committee discussed issues related to the Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF) and its role in assisting Pakistanis facing difficulties, including those whose passports have been confiscated.
Lastly, the panel reviewed the progress of a housing scheme for overseas Pakistanis, with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) completing about 95% of the construction, and emphasized the importance of resolving remaining issues to ensure the project’s completion.
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