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Visitors from Pakistan visiting the United Arab Emirates have been advised to meticulously follow the guidelines related to tourist visas and to avoid using them for employment-related activities.
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates, highlighted the importance of compliance with the country’s laws and regulations for both tourists and its citizens.
Ambassador Tirmizi emphasized the critical need for Pakistani tourists holding tourist visas to satisfy all the visa conditions, including the possession of a return ticket, sufficient funds, and accommodation at a hotel. “It is essential for individuals on tourist visas to focus on participating in tourism-related activities such as visits to museums, tours of mosques, and shopping at malls,” Tirmizi informed Khaleej Times.
He also reiterated that seeking employment opportunities is strictly forbidden for those on tourist visas. Individuals seeking employment should consider applying for an employment visa in the United Arab Emirates.
Proposal for inspections
To ensure compliance with these regulations, Ambassador Tirmizi suggested the implementation of inspections at the airport by the Pakistani government to verify that tourists fulfill the requirements of their visas. This measure is aimed at preventing the misuse of tourist visas for employment purposes.
In October of 2022, the United Arab Emirates introduced the “job exploration visa” program, aimed at attracting a youthful and skilled workforce. This initiative permits individuals to legally explore employment opportunities, addressing the challenges faced by job seekers who previously relied on standard visitor visas for their employment searches. Legal experts underscore the importance of adhering to regulations and securing the appropriate visa for employment-related purposes.
Compliance with local legal frameworks
Ambassadors have underscored the critical importance of compliance with local legal frameworks for all Pakistani citizens residing in the UAE. “Each Pakistani individual represents a reflection of our nation. Their conduct must reflect the true essence of Pakistan,” stated the ambassador. The Pakistani community in the UAE constitutes a significant demographic, with an estimated 1.7 million nationals, making them the second-largest expatriate group after Indians.
Data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment indicates that approximately 230,000 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in the previous year, driven by the promise of better opportunities. The UAE has been identified as the second-most preferred destination for Pakistani migrants, accounting for 26.77% of the total South Asian migrant population in 2023. Annually, the number of Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment and tourism purposes fluctuates between 600,000 to 800,000, with the majority of them going to countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Europe, and the United States for both work and leisure.
Mitigating begging activities
The delegation representing Pakistan has put forth a recommendation to implement a travel ban on individuals who have been deported for engaging in begging activities. “Individuals who have been deported for engaging in begging activities should be subjected to a travel ban and face imprisonment upon their return to Pakistan,” Tirmizi articulated. This proposal aims to tackle the issue of Pakistani nationals resorting to begging as a survival strategy in foreign territories.
Ambassador Tirmizi has highlighted the evolving economic landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which now demands a higher demand for professionals rather than individuals engaged in blue-collar occupations. “The UAE is in urgent need of IT specialists, bankers, physicians, nurses, and other professionals,” he declared. Moreover, he emphasized the employment prospects in Japan, South Korea, and Europe, especially in the medical field, underscoring the critical need for a well-trained medical workforce.
In response to this demand, there is a proposal to establish nursing institutes in Pakistan. This initiative is driven by the global shortage of certified and trained nurses, offering a significant opportunity to meet the demand for skilled nursing professionals.
Contribution to UAE’s development
The ambassador acknowledged the significant contributions made by individuals of Pakistani descent to the development of the United Arab Emirates since its inception. “Individuals of Pakistani heritage have played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of numerous institutions within the United Arab Emirates,” he stated.
