Pakistani nationals’ aspirations to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for employment and business opportunities were shattered when the Gulf nation recently imposed a visa ban.
While UAE authorities initially cited concerns over social media behavior and criminal incidents as the reasons behind the restriction, newly obtained official documents shed light on additional factors.
The documents, shared by the Emirati government with the Pakistani embassy, revealed that the visa ban was discussed in a cabinet meeting following complaints regarding the conduct of some Pakistani nationals.
These complaints included participation in protests, online criticism of UAE government policies, and misuse of digital platforms. Such actions were seen as harmful to the UAE’s image, leading to the government’s decision to take action.
Further, there were concerns regarding allegations of document forgery, such as tampered identity cards and passports, involving certain Pakistani individuals. The documents also pointed to a higher incidence of criminal activities, including theft, fraud, begging, and drug offenses, among Pakistani nationals compared to other foreign communities.
Local authorities shared these concerns with the Pakistani ambassador, emphasizing that the decision to impose the visa ban was made after thorough discussions at the highest levels of the UAE government.
The Pakistani embassy in the UAE has sent these concerns to Islamabad, urging the government to address the issues raised. The visa ban has sparked considerable debate within the Pakistani community in the UAE, many of whom are law-abiding residents contributing positively to the local economy.
Meanwhile, calls for constructive dialogue and cooperative efforts are increasing, as the ban is affecting thousands of families and businesses that rely on Pakistani workers in the UAE.
