The UAE has implemented stricter entry requirements for Pakistani citizens seeking employment in the country, including a mandatory police character certificate alongside their work visa applications.
Adnan Paracha, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA), explained that the move follows reports of some Pakistanis being involved in begging and other illegal activities in the UAE, as reported by Express News.
“The decision underscores the importance of adhering to UAE laws, given the strong relationship between our nations,” Paracha stated.
Additionally, the UAE has expanded its list of Pakistani cities under a visit visa ban, now covering 30 cities, up from 24. Challenges in obtaining UAE work visas have reportedly left 100,000 Pakistanis unable to secure jobs in the past year.
The UAE, a vital partner for Pakistan, is the second largest source of remittances after Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government has cracked down on individuals traveling abroad for illegal activities, adding 4,300 beggars to the Exit Control List as part of a zero-tolerance policy.
This announcement comes after Saudi Arabia issued a warning in September regarding the rising number of Pakistani beggars entering the Kingdom under Umrah visas.
