The Bureau of Emigration has introduced a new requirement for Pakistani citizens seeking employment visas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): a police character certificate.
POEPA Welcomes Decision to Address UAE Concerns
Adnan Paracha, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA), supported the move, stating it aligns with concerns raised by the UAE government. Complaints about certain Pakistani nationals engaging in illegal activities, including begging, prompted this decision.
Paracha emphasized the importance of adhering to UAE laws, noting the strong ties between the two countries.
Challenges for Pakistani Workers in the UAE
The UAE has already banned visit visas for 30 Pakistani cities, up from the previous 24. Over the past year, many Pakistanis have faced difficulties obtaining work visas, leaving more than 100,000 individuals unable to secure employment in the UAE.
Highlighting the economic impact, Paracha stressed that the UAE is the second-largest source of remittances for Pakistan, after Saudi Arabia, and urged the federal government to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.
Crackdown on Begging: 4,300 Names Added to Exit Control List
In a related development, Pakistan has added 4,300 individuals, identified as beggars, to its Exit Control List (ECL). This action follows concerns over the increasing number of Pakistani beggars traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The decision was made after a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister. Discussions included enhancing Pak-Saudi relations and addressing bilateral issues. Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki also participated in the meeting.
Strengthening Ties Through Collaboration
The meeting also covered plans for the exchange of paramilitary forces, police personnel, and joint training programs, aiming to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
