Pakistani nationals are facing a surge in visa rejections for employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following the implementation of stricter regulations by the Gulf nation.
In a recent address at a tech and startup show, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, provided crucial updates on the evolving visa landscape, acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistanis in securing necessary documentation.
Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted some improvements in visa approvals but confirmed that many Pakistanis are still struggling to navigate the complex application process. “Despite some positive changes, the reality remains that our citizens are encountering significant hurdles when applying for work visas,” he stated.
The situation is underscored by alarming statistics from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, which reveal a sharp decline in the number of registered Pakistani workers in the UAE. This decline can be attributed to the changing dynamics of the UAE’s job market, which is increasingly prioritizing highly skilled workers over manual labor.
Historically, many Pakistanis relied on tourist visas to enter the UAE, often using this opportunity to search for employment upon arrival. However, this approach has become increasingly untenable under the new regulations. The ambassador pointed out that the evolving job landscape requires prospective workers to possess specialized skills, particularly in sectors such as information technology.
In response to this shift, experts suggest that Pakistani job seekers must enhance their competencies to remain competitive in the UAE job market. The IT sector, in particular, is viewed as a promising avenue for economic growth, with significant potential for the export of IT services. By investing in skill development, Pakistanis can better align with the needs of the UAE’s labor market, which is seeking qualified professionals capable of contributing to its rapidly growing economy.