In a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, a significant change was announced for Pakistanis traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was revealed that all Pakistani travelers will now need to undergo police verification before they can leave for the UAE. This new requirement applies to everyone, and no one will be allowed to travel without obtaining a police clearance. Travel agents have also been informed to ensure compliance with this directive.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the UAE’s unofficial restrictions on issuing visas, especially for employment purposes. Many Pakistani visa applicants have reported facing higher rejection rates in recent times. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, during the meeting, stressed the urgency of addressing these increasing visa-related challenges to assist applicants and reduce difficulties.
Officials clarified that the demand for skilled labor in the UAE remains steady, but the need for unskilled workers has decreased. This has contributed to the higher rate of rejections, particularly for individuals applying for unskilled labor positions.
The Senate committee also urged the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to provide clear updates and a timeline for resolving these issues. This would help keep the public informed and ensure that affected individuals and families can better understand the evolving requirements for traveling to the UAE.
