ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel was informed on Monday that all Pakistani travellers to the United Arab Emirates would need to be vetted and verified by the police.

During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development on Monday, lawmakers discussed the UAE’s unofficial visa restrictions, especially on employment visas.

While members of the panel directed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to swiftly resolve issues faced by citizens in getting UAE visas, an official informed the panel that: “No case of travelling to the UAE will now be allowed without police verification”.

Bureau of Emigration of Overseas Employment Director General Muhammad Tayyab also said that travel agents had been conveyed instructions in this regard, Dawn.com reported.

Senate committee asks Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to resolve issues related to visas for Gulf state

Chairing the meeting, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada stressed the need for official action as people were questioning when these issues would be resolved, according to an official statement released after the meeting.

Over the past few months, travellers have complained of difficulties in securing UAE visas, with many claiming that the rate of rejection has increased.

According to reports, the UAE authorities have increased the scrutiny of Pakistanis arriving in the country due to their alleged involvement in crime and unlawful activities, like begging.

During the meeting, Senator Khanzada emphasised that travel agents claimed to meet all requirements when applying for visas, yet the UAE authorities were rejecting applications.

He pointed out that while people are increasingly seeking opportunities in other countries, the UAE remains a key labour market.

However, the ministry’s secretary clarified that the reported restrictions do not imply a complete ban on visas.

Secretary Arshad Mahmood explained that, as far as Dubai is concerned, there are no restrictions, and each country has its own objectives.

He emphasised that there are no restrictions on skilled labor, although there has been a recent decline in the demand for unskilled labour.

According to the official statement, he noted the need to focus on sending more skilled workers abroad, adding that approximately 700,000 workers have already gone abroad this year.

Senator Khanzada suggested providing updates on compliance and a timeline for resolving these issues so the public can be better informed.

He also recommended gathering and compiling data on in-demand skills based on market requirements.

Housing societies

The Senate panel also took up the issues of the housing scheme for overseas Pakistanis.

The director-general of Housing at Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF) told the committee that the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) had completed approximately 95 per cent of construction work, although some issues were still being addressed.

The project was slated for completion in 2008 but has been delayed for more than 16 years.

Senator Shahadat Awan, a committee member, pointed out that no progress had been made in the last 16 years.

Senator Khanzada emphasised the value of plots was higher than when they were booked years ago.

The FWO should resolve its liabilities and complete the project to make it functional, Mr Khanzada said, adding the Islamabad Electric Supply Company should be involved in the project to provide connections.

Senator Nasir Mehmood called for maintaining overseas Pakistanis’ counters at airports, particularly during departures.

The committee was also briefed on the role, operations, and performance of the OPF.

In the discussion on welfare services, Senator Khanzada emphasised the need to address the plight of individuals whose passports were confiscated and are unable to return to Pakistan, urging that they be allowed to return, including those released from jail.

Bakhtawar Mian in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024