Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has spoken out against the continued difficulties Pakistanis have obtaining UAE Visas, noting that little is changing even though the amnesty program ends on October 31.
He made these comments at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, when it was disclosed that a large number of Pakistanis, particularly IT workers and startup entrepreneurs, had been having their visas denied.
The UAE’s changing employment needs, which prioritize highly qualified individuals above the traditional blue-collar workforce that was crucial to the nation’s prosperity, have been highlighted by this issue.
Although Pakistani laborers have historically helped the UAE grow, Tirmizi recognized that the market is currently seeking more specialized personnel.
Additionally, he emphasized the significance of equipping Pakistanis with the organizational and emotional intelligence necessary to operate in a heterogeneous workplace.
In earlier statement, this comes after UAE officials previously denied that Pakistanis could not obtain uae visas.
Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Karachi, confirmed in August that there were no specific visa restrictions in place, especially for Sindhi citizens.
He underlined that Pakistani workers, businesspeople, and those in need of medical care may access all services. Bakheet Obaid Al-Roumi, the consul general of the United Arab Emirates, also denied social media rumors about the visa ban in June.
He gave the assurance that Pakistanis of all ages could still travel to the United Arab Emirates for business, and that the visa department was still open.
Visa denials have sharply increased in spite of these official guarantees, underscoring the difficulties Pakistanis are currently encountering when trying to visit the United Arab Emirates.
According to recent data from Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration, the number of Pakistani workers registered in the United Arab Emirates has significantly decreased, dropping from over 229,000 in 2023 to less than 60,000 this year.
Ambassador Tirmizi sees little improvement in the situation regarding uae visas for Pakistanis but is still wary as the amnesty deadline draws near.