The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, led by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, recently discussed the problems faced by Pakistanis when applying for visas to Dubai, UAE.
It was revealed that all Pakistani travelers to the UAE now need to undergo mandatory police verification due to concerns over the rising number of Pakistanis involved in begging. Travel agents have been instructed to follow this rule, and no one will be allowed to travel without it.
The UAE is also rejecting visas for applicants who cannot prove they have enough financial resources for a genuine visit.
Senator Khanzada expressed concern over public frustration and called for updates on resolving the issue. He noted that more people from other countries are moving to Dubai for work, and many Pakistanis are being deported for begging.
Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, clarified that there are no restrictions on work visas for skilled labor, though demand for unskilled labor has dropped. He mentioned that around 700,000 Pakistani workers had gone abroad this year.
The committee decided to meet with Foreign Office officials and travel agents to discuss these visa issues further.
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