The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, discussed challenges faced by Pakistanis in obtaining visas for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai.
The chairman asked what the problems were for Pakistanis to obtain visas for Dubai.
During the meeting on Monday, it was revealed that all Pakistani travellers to the UAE must now undergo mandatory police verification and vetting over concerns from Middle Eastern countries regarding the rising number of Pakistanis involved in begging.
Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment Director General Muhammad Tayyab informed the committee that travel agents have been instructed to comply with the police verification requirement. “No case of travelling to the UAE will now be allowed without police verification," he added.
Travel agents also noted that UAE authorities are declining visas for applicants unable to demonstrate sufficient financial resources as proof of genuine visitor status.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada highlighted public frustration over ongoing visa-related issues and emphasized the importance of updates on compliance measures and timelines for resolution. He stressed the need for action as people were questioning when visa-related issues would be resolved.
"Agents are saying visas for Dubai are not being issued. More and more people from other countries are going to Dubai for work," he noted.
He further remarked that Dubai had deported several Pakistanis for begging, adding that if the official was right, then travel agents could be summoned in the next meeting.
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Secretary Arshad Mahmood clarified that there are no restrictions on visas for Dubai, noting that each country sets its own policies. He explained that skilled labour faces no obstacles, though the demand for unskilled labour has recently declined.
Mahmood added that approximately 700,000 Pakistani workers had gone abroad this year, with a focus on increasing skilled labour opportunities. "The matter of visit visas is from the Foreign Office," he noted.
The committee resolved to summon relevant Foreign Office officials and travel agents in its next meeting to further address these issues.
