Business Desk 
Dec 24, 2024
In a recent development, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development announced a meeting that police verification is now compulsory for Pakistani travellers to the UAE.
The committee addressed the UAE’s unofficial visa restrictions, particularly on employment visas, and the challenges faced by Pakistani citizens in obtaining visas.
During the meeting, it was also discussed that no Pakistani traveller would be allowed to travel to the UAE without police verification.
The head of the Bureau of Emigration of Overseas Employment, Director General Muhammad Tayyab told the panel that the travel agents had also been instructed accordingly.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, presiding the meeting, emphasised the immediate move to solve the visa-related issues. He pointed out that many travellers had reported difficulties in securing UAE visas, with an increasing rate of rejections.
The UAE authorities have reportedly increased scrutiny of Pakistani travellers due to alleged involvement in criminal activities and unlawful practices such as begging.
However, despite these problems, secretary minister Arshad Mahmood clarified that there is no outright ban on visas. He explained that there are no restrictions on skilled labour, though the demand for unskilled labour has been witnessing a decline.
The focus now is on sending more skilled workers abroad, and about 700,000 workers have already gone abroad this year.
The committee was also briefed on the role and performance of the Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF) and the need to address the plight of those whose passports were confiscated.
Housing Societies and Welfare Services: The Senate panel also discussed issues related to the housing scheme for overseas Pakistanis.
The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has completed about 95% of the construction work, but some issues remain. Khanzada stressed the importance of completing the project and involving the Islamabad Electric Supply Company to provide connections.
The committee also received information about the Overseas Pakistan Foundation’s (OPF) role, performance, and the desperate need to deal with issues of those whose passports are confiscated.
