By Kh Kashif Mir
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has shed light on the persistent visa challenges faced by Pakistani applicants, revealing that there has been minimal progress since the conclusion of the amnesty scheme on October 31. His comments came during the GITEX GLOBAL 2024 event, where he discussed the troubling trend of visa rejections affecting a significant number of Pakistanis, including startup founders and IT professionals.
The ambassador pointed out that the UAE’s evolving labor market is increasingly prioritizing highly-skilled workers, moving away from the traditional reliance on blue-collar laborers who have historically contributed to the country’s growth. He emphasized the need for Pakistanis to adapt to this shift by fostering skills that are in demand, such as emotional intelligence and organizational capabilities, to thrive in a multicultural work environment.
Tirmizi’s remarks come in the wake of earlier statements from UAE officials, who had denied any formal visa restrictions affecting Pakistani nationals. In August, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, the UAE’s Consul General in Karachi, assured that there were no specific bans on visas for Pakistanis, particularly for residents of Sindh. He reiterated that all necessary facilities were available for Pakistani businessmen, workers, and those seeking medical assistance.
Similarly, in June, Bakheet Obaid Al-Roumi, the UAE Consulate General, dismissed circulating rumors of a visa ban on social media, confirming that the visa section was functioning as usual and that Pakistanis, regardless of age, could continue to travel to the UAE for employment opportunities.
Despite these official reassurances, the number of visa rejections has surged, highlighting the difficulties faced by Pakistanis aiming to enter the UAE. Recent statistics from Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration indicate a significant decline in the number of Pakistani workers registered in the UAE, dropping to below 60,000 this year from over 229,000 in 2023. As the amnesty deadline approaches, Ambassador Tirmizi remains cautiously optimistic but acknowledges that only limited improvements have been observed in the current situation.
