LAHORE – Pakistan national, who intend to get the work visa of the United Arab Emirates, are now required to obtain a police character certificate before flying to the Gulf country.
The latest change in the requirements has been made by the Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment to address the complaints received from the UAE.
The UAE officials had sent complaints against several Pakistanis for their involvement in illegal activities, including begging, in the Arab country.
An official of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association has welcomed the decision, saying Pakistanis travelling to the UAE for jobs should abide by the law of the land. He said involvement of Pakistanis in illegal activities earned bad name for the country and also create hurdles for others seeking to get visas.
The official revealed that the UAE has included residents of 30 Pakistani cities in its visa ban list.
Meanwhile, UAE Consul General Dr. Bakheet Remeithi has termed the claims regard restrictions in visa issuance ‘fabricated’, saying these rumors have circulated for the past two years without any basis.
Remeithi stressed applying for visas through official channels and encouraged applicants to visit UAE visa centers directly for processing. He also reaffirmed the strong relationship of Arab nation with Islamabad, citing the country’s leadership is committed to supporting Pakistan and its people.
In another positive development, UAE Consul General hinted at significant investment opportunities expected to emerge in near future. This statement follows a recent denial by Pakistan’s Embassy, which also rejected media reports alleging that UAE government had proposed visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals during a cabinet meeting. Both the UAE and Pakistani governments have categorically denied these claims.
Earlir this year, UAE authorities cautioned Pakistanis to avoid fake news and propaganda online, warning that such activities could negatively affect visa approvals and renewals.
