UAE: Don't look for jobs on tourist visa, Pakistanis told

Pakistanis have been asked to avoid looking for jobs when they come to the UAE on a tourist visa. Travellers are also urged to make sure they meet the visit visa requirements, such as hotel accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds.

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, urged his compatriots to follow the UAE's rules and regulations as every resident and visitor represent the country.

"Pakistanis coming to the UAE on a visit visa should have a return ticket, Dh3,000 in funds, and hotel accommodation. When you're on a tourist visa, you must do only tourism and enjoy the museums, mosques, malls, etc. Don't try to find jobs while you're on a tourist visa. Those looking for jobs should come to the UAE on a job-seeker visa and those who wish to work should obtain an employment visa prior to coming to the Emirates," Tirmizi told Khaleej Times in an interview.

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The ambassador said they reached out to the Government of Pakistan and suggested that UAE tourist visa holders be inspected at the airport to ensure that they meet the requirements.

In October 2022, the UAE rolled out a "job exploration visa" to attract young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities. Previously, there were instances when job-seekers came on a regular visit visa to look for employment. However, the practice is not limited to Pakistani communities. Several other nationalities come to the UAE to look for job opportunities while on a visit.

Legal experts also suggest that it is important for people to abide by the law and obtain the UAE's "job-seeker visa" if they want to seek employment opportunities in the Emirates.

Respect the laws

The ambassador noted that every Pakistani who resides in the UAE should respect the government's laws and policies.

"It is important that we respect and follow the local policies. Every Pakistani representing the state of Pakistan is an ambassador. His/her conduct represents Pakistan. Therefore, he has to be at his best to project the true image of Pakistan," he added.

There are approximately 1.7 million Pakistani nationals living and working in the UAE. They're the second largest expat community in the UAE after the Indian diaspora of 3.7 million.

According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment and Overseas Employment Corporation, more than 230,000 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in search of greener pastures last year. The UAE was the second top destination for Pakistanis, who accounted for 26.77 per cent of the total number of people who migrated from South Asian countries in 2023.

Around 600,000 to 800,000 Pakistanis go abroad annually for jobs and tourism purposes, mainly to the GCC countries, Europe and the US.

Travel ban on beggars

The Pakistani mission has also asked Islamabad to put a travel ban on people who are deported on the charges of beggary.

"We also stated that people charged and deported because of beggary should face a travel ban so that they don't travel again to any foreign country. They should be jailed in Pakistan upon deportation because this is a serious issue," the ambassador added.

Earlier, the Pakistani government was briefed that many people resorted to begging in foreign countries; hence, it required strict measures to deal with this challenge.

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