The UAE has introduced a new condition for the UAE employment visa. Pakistani applicants must now submit a police character certificate as part of the UAE employment visa process. This new requirement is aimed at addressing concerns about illegal activities involving Pakistani nationals applying for the UAE employment visa.
Adnan Paracha, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA), confirmed the change. He explained that the UAE raised concerns about begging by some Pakistani nationals. Furthermore, Paracha emphasized that this rule is crucial for strengthening ties between the two nations and improving Pakistan’s reputation. He urged Pakistani citizens to comply with the new requirement.
In recent years, Pakistanis have faced increased visa restrictions. For instance, over 100,000 workers were unable to secure jobs in the UAE last year. As a result, these challenges have significantly reduced remittances, which are a vital source of revenue for Pakistan’s economy. Consequently, this has placed additional financial strain on the country.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has also expressed concerns about illegal immigration from Pakistan. In response, Pakistan has added 4,300 names to its Exit Control List (ECL). This move aims to curb unlawful activities abroad, signaling the need for stricter controls.
Paracha called for proactive diplomatic efforts to resolve these challenges. He stressed that remittances from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are essential for Pakistan’s economic stability. By meeting the new visa requirements, he hopes to rebuild trust with these countries and improve opportunities for Pakistani workers.
Ultimately, this development highlights the importance of respecting international laws and maintaining strong diplomatic ties. By complying with these new regulations, Pakistan can strengthen its relationship with the UAE and other Gulf nations. This will, in turn, ensure a steady flow of remittances and create better prospects for its workforce.
