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No Complete Ban on UAE Visas For Pakistanis

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2 weeks ago

December 24, 2024

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No Complete Ban on UAE Visas For Pakistanis. Recent discussions regarding visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals have sparked confusion and concern, especially with claims of a blanket visa ban imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, UAE officials, including the Consul General in Karachi, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Rumaithi, have rejected these claims, providing much-needed clarity on the matter.

The UAE’s visa policies, especially regarding employment visas, have been a topic of discussion between both governments, and officials have emphasized that there has been no outright “complete denial” of UAE visas for Pakistanis.

Clarification from UAE Consul General and Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis

The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development met on Monday to discuss concerns over visa restrictions. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada chaired the session, where the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and

Human Resource Development (OPHRD) provided an update on the situation. During the session, it was emphasized that while the demand for unskilled labor had declined, there were no restrictions on issuing visas for skilled workers.

According to the Secretary of the Ministry, “As far as Dubai is concerned, there are no restrictions,” adding that each country, including the UAE, has specific labor demands.

It was further noted that skilled workers were still in demand, and there were no visa barriers for those applying for skilled positions.

The Secretary also shared that approximately 700,000 workers had migrated abroad in 2024, highlighting the need for focusing on sending skilled workers.

Despite these clarifications, Senator Khanzada raised concerns about the continued challenges faced by Pakistani nationals in securing visas.

He pointed out that “agents claim to meet all requirements when applying for visas, yet visas are still not being issued.” This ongoing issue has led to frustration among the public, with many wondering when the situation would be resolved.

Reaffirmation of UAE’s Position

In response to the claims of a blanket visa ban, the UAE Consul General in Karachi, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Rumaithi, firmly rejected the notion of a complete ban. He clarified that Pakistan remains a priority for the UAE in terms of business and investment.

The UAE has long maintained strong economic ties with Pakistan, and Dr. Rumaithi’s remarks reinforced the idea that the UAE values its relationship with Pakistan.

The Foreign Office of Pakistan also chimed in, dismissing the idea of a total visa ban. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch explained that the decision to issue visas is ultimately a sovereign decision of the UAE government.

This response was in line with the UAE’s broader policy of regulating labor migration in accordance with its economic needs.

Need for Skilled Labor

The continued focus on skilled labor, as emphasized by the UAE authorities, comes at a time when the global demand for highly skilled workers is rising.

Countries like the UAE, which have significant infrastructural and technological development projects, require professionals with specialized skills to meet their growing needs.

While unskilled labor has seen a decline in demand, the skilled workforce remains crucial, particularly in sectors such as construction, healthcare, engineering, and IT.

For Pakistani nationals, this shift means that those with expertise in high-demand fields have greater opportunities for securing employment in the UAE. However, challenges remain for the broader Pakistani workforce, which is still dealing with issues related to visa processing delays and visa issuance for non-skilled sectors.

Moving Forward

During the Senate committee meeting, Senator Khanzada called for more transparency and updates regarding the visa process. He urged the authorities to provide regular updates on compliance and timelines for the issuance of visas.

Additionally, Senator Khanzada proposed inviting Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) to future meetings to ensure that the visa issuance process remains transparent and fair.

These steps are seen as necessary to address public concerns and improve the overall experience for those applying for UAE visas.

UAE-Pakistan Relations

Despite the challenges faced by Pakistani nationals in securing visas, the UAE remains a key partner in Pakistan’s business and investment landscape.

The UAE’s role as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners is vital for both countries’ economic interests. The UAE has been a significant investor in Pakistan, especially in sectors like real estate, energy, and infrastructure development.

Pakistan’s growing trade relations with the UAE further solidify the importance of addressing the visa issue, as both governments work toward creating an environment conducive to business and investment.

Conclusion

To sum up, there is no complete ban on UAE visas for Pakistanis, as clarified by both the UAE Consul General and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.

While there have been some unofficial restrictions on certain visa categories, particularly for unskilled labor, skilled workers continue to have access to the UAE job market.

However, challenges persist, particularly with visa delays and processing issues. The two governments must continue to work together to resolve these issues and ensure that Pakistani nationals have equal opportunities to contribute to the UAE’s dynamic labor market.