Visitors from Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates have been urged to strictly adhere to the guidelines pertaining to tourist visas and refrain from utilizing them for employment purposes.
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates, underscored the significance of adhering to the nation’s laws and regulations for both tourists and residents alike.
Obey the rules
Ambassador Tirmizi stressed the necessity for Pakistani tourists on tourist visas to fulfill all visa stipulations, including possessing a return ticket, adequate funds, and accommodation at a hotel. “It is imperative that individuals on tourist visas concentrate on engaging in tourism-related activities such as museum visits, mosque tours, and shopping at malls,” Tirmizi told Khaleej Times.
“It is strictly prohibited to seek employment opportunities while on a tourist visa. Individuals interested in employment should consider coming to the United Arab Emirates on an employment visa.”
Suggestion for inspections
To ensure adherence to these regulations, Tirmizi proposed a suggestion to the Pakistani government for the implementation of inspections at the airport to verify that tourists meet all the requirements of their visas. This initiative is intended to prevent the inappropriate use of tourist visas for the purpose of employment.
Job exploration visa
In October of 2022, the United Arab Emirates unveiled the “job exploration visa” initiative, designed to attract a young and skilled workforce. This visa permits individuals to legally explore employment opportunities, as it addresses previous challenges encountered by job seekers who relied on regular visitor visas for employment searches. Legal advisors emphasize the necessity of compliance with regulations and the importance of securing the appropriate visa for employment purposes.
Adherence to local legal frameworks
Ambassadors have emphasized the critical importance of local law compliance for all Pakistani citizens residing in the UAE. “Every Pakistani individual presents a reflection of our nation. Their behavior must embody the true essence of Pakistan,” stated the ambassador. The Pakistani community within the UAE stands as a significant demographic, with an estimated 1.7 million nationals, positioning them as the second-largest expatriate group following Indians.
Consequences of migration
Statistical data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reveals that approximately 230,000 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in the preceding year, motivated by the prospect of enhanced opportunities. The UAE has emerged as the second-most preferred destination for Pakistani migrants, representing 26.77% of the total population of South Asian migrants in 2023. Annually, the number of Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment and tourism ranges between 600,000 to 800,000, with the majority heading to countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Europe, and the United States for work and leisure purposes.
Addressing beggary
The delegation from Pakistan has proposed a recommendation to impose 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 is intended to address the issue of Pakistani nationals turning to begging as a means of survival in foreign territories.
Demand for skilled professionals
Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted the changing economic dynamics of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which now necessitates a greater demand for professionals rather than individuals in blue-collar occupations. “The UAE is in need of IT specialists, bankers, physicians, nurses, and other professionals,” he declared. Furthermore, he underscored the potential for employment opportunities in Japan, South Korea, and Europe, particularly in the field of medicine, stressing the importance of having a well-trained medical workforce.
To cater to this demand, there is a proposal to establish nursing institutes in Pakistan. This initiative is motivated by the global shortage of certified and trained nurses, which presents a significant opportunity to address the demand for skilled nursing professionals.
Contribution to UAE’s development
The ambassador recognized the substantial contributions made by individuals of Pakistani origin to the development of the United Arab Emirates since its inception. “Individuals of Pakistani heritage have been instrumental in the establishment and development of numerous institutions within the United Arab Emirates,” he stated.