Pakistan Consulate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has urged expatriates, job seekers and those arriving on visit visas to abide by local laws and regulations.
In a video, Pakistani consul-general in Dubai Hussain Muhammad advised those travelling to the UAE to learn and adhere to local laws to avoid legal issues. He warned that violations could lead to court appearances, potential imprisonment, fines, or even deportation.
Visas issued in Dubai can be verified through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. For visas issued from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, verification can be done through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Job seekers are advised to confirm the legitimacy of their potential employers through official channels. In case of uncertainty, the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate-general in Dubai could assist.
Information on labour laws and other regulations could be obtained from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) website. For immigration and visa-related matters, people can consult Amer Centres.
In the event of a crime or dispute, individuals are encouraged to report to the police immediately. Any workplace violations should be reported to Mohre within one year of the cancellation of a work permit.
Expatriates should keep medical records, copies of their valid passport and visa pages, updated employment contracts, and financial records readily accessible. These details should also be shared with close family members in both the UAE and Pakistan for assistance if needed.
Furthermore, they are advised to use official channels for remitting money to and from the UAE and Pakistan.
The advisory emphasized protecting personal identification, SIM cards, passports, Emirates IDs, and email accounts from fraud, as well as being aware of online banking and credit card scams. It also recommended obtaining life and medical insurance in both Pakistan and the UAE, along with job loss insurance.
