The move comes in response to mounting concerns from Middle Eastern countries about the growing involvement of Pakistanis in begging activities, prompting authorities to take stricter measures in screening passengers traveling to the region.
According to travel agents, UAE authorities have also begun to refuse visas to Pakistanis who do not demonstrate sufficient financial resources in their bank accounts to qualify as legitimate visitors.
During a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Muhammad Tayyab, Director General of the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, informed the panel that “no Pakistani traveler will be permitted to board a flight to the UAE without police verification.” Travel agents have been instructed to comply with these new guidelines.
Committee Chairman Senator Zeeshan Khanzada emphasized the urgency of addressing the ongoing visa issues. He pointed out that while agents claimed to meet all visa application requirements, many Pakistanis were still facing refusals. Khanzada stressed that despite a growing number of individuals seeking employment abroad, the UAE continues to be a major destination for Pakistani labor.
Senator Khanzada urged the committee to provide updates on the progress of compliance and establish a clear timeline for resolving the visa challenges to help keep the public informed.
Other members of the committee also raised concerns about the restrictions and their impact on potential travelers.
Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPHRD), clarified that the visa restrictions were not an outright ban. He explained that while there were no restrictions for skilled workers, there had been a reduction in demand for unskilled labor. Mahmood emphasized the importance of focusing on the export of skilled labor, noting that approximately 700,000 workers had already gone abroad this year.
This version retains the essence of the original article but restructures the content, using more concise phrasing and journalistic tone while ensuring clarity on the developments regarding police verification and UAE visa policies.
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