The UAE’s stringent new visa regulations have sent ripples through the lives of thousands of Pakistani travelers, introducing unforeseen challenges and financial strains. On average, about 2,000 visa applications are submitted daily from Lahore alone, but an overwhelming majority of these are now being rejected. Applicants are left grappling with nonrefundable costs such as visa fees, hotel bookings, and travel arrangements, with losses ranging between AED 1,500 and 2,000 per individual. For many, this represents a devastating financial blow, particularly for those who were relying on employment opportunities in the UAE to support families back home. The sudden spike in rejections has led to widespread frustration, with the lack of clear communication from authorities adding to the growing discontent.
Amid this tightening of regulations, concerns about the credibility of Pakistan’s travel documentation have also surfaced. Saudi Arabian authorities recently disclosed that they have recovered over 12,000 Pakistani passports in the possession of Afghan nationals. These passports were allegedly acquired through illicit means, involving multiple passport centers operating within Pakistan. Riyadh has shared this alarming development with Islamabad, raising questions about the efficiency and oversight of Pakistan’s national institutions. This revelation has cast a further shadow on the already strained reputation of Pakistani travelers, as such incidents fuel perceptions of malpractice and lax governance.
While the UAE’s new visa rules explicitly aim to curb illegal activities and ensure only legitimate travelers gain entry, the broader consequences are undeniable. The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development recently clarified that there is no official ban on work visas for Pakistanis. However, ground realities suggest otherwise. Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) Aisam Baig informed the committee that the number of Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE has dropped by 50% due to the unofficial closure of visas. This decline has serious implications for Pakistan’s expatriate workforce, which plays a critical role in supporting the nation’s economy through remittances.
The Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab offered a contrasting perspective, reporting an increasing trend in Pakistanis seeking work in the UAE. According to him, 64% of the labor force comprises skilled workers, with 46% employed in construction and 38% in the service sector. While these statistics paint an optimistic picture, the gap between policy and reality is glaring. The lack of clarity on why visa applications are being rejected and the inconsistency in official narratives highlight the need for greater transparency and diplomatic engagement.
The UAE’s mandatory requirement for police vetting and verification for all Pakistani travelers adds another layer of complexity. This measure comes as Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, have raised concerns about the increasing involvement of some Pakistanis in illegal activities, such as begging. Authorities have initiated rigorous screening to weed out such individuals, but the broader implications affect the many honest and hardworking Pakistanis who seek opportunities abroad. These measures have inadvertently stigmatized a large segment of the population, making it harder for them to access opportunities in the Gulf.
For Pakistan, the fallout of these developments extends beyond the immediate impact on individuals. Remittances from Pakistani expatriates in the UAE account for a significant portion of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. Any sustained decline in labor migration to the UAE could exacerbate the country’s economic challenges, including dwindling reserves and rising unemployment. Moreover, incidents such as the recovery of fake passports highlight systemic issues within Pakistan’s institutions, necessitating urgent reforms to restore credibility and trust.
This is not the first time Pakistanis have faced tightened regulations in foreign countries, but the current wave of scrutiny is particularly severe. It underscores the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of these issues. The government must take immediate steps to regulate outbound labor migration more effectively, ensuring that only skilled and verified workers are sent abroad. This includes cracking down on fraudulent practices by employment agents and enhancing oversight of passport issuance to prevent misuse.
The issue also calls for a robust diplomatic response. Pakistan must engage with UAE authorities to address their concerns and find solutions that balance security with access. Strengthening ties through joint initiatives, such as skill development programs and streamlined verification processes, could help rebuild trust and improve the prospects for Pakistani travelers. Diplomatic efforts should also extend to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to address broader concerns about illegal activities and governance lapses.
Amid the challenges, there is an opportunity for Pakistan to redefine its approach to labor migration and international travel. By focusing on skill enhancement, improving institutional efficiency, and addressing governance issues, the country can position itself as a reliable partner for the Gulf region. This would not only benefit individual workers but also contribute to Pakistan’s economic stability and global reputation.
In conclusion, the UAE’s stricter visa rules and the recovery of fake Pakistani passports from Afghan nationals have highlighted critical issues that demand immediate attention. While the measures aim to ensure security and legitimacy, their broader implications have created significant challenges for Pakistani travelers and workers. Addressing these issues will require a coordinated effort involving reforms, diplomacy, and proactive policymaking to secure a brighter future for Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
