Committee formed to address ‘irregularities’ in Pakistani workers abroad

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, initiated the formation of a committee to investigate allegations of ‘irregularities’ in the process of sending Pakistani workers abroad.

The decision comes in light of increasing scrutiny surrounding the visa application process for Pakistani citizens seeking employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), among other countries.

Read more: Pakistan faces visa challenges amid UAE deportations

The committee is tasted with uncovering the facts related to the allegations, which has raised concerns about the integrity of the manpower export system.

‘Irregularities’ in this context refers to actions that deviate from established norms and standards, potentially indicating fraud or violations of regulations.

The committee will focus on various issues, including the submission of fraudulent documentation by some Pakistani nationals, which had led to heightened scrutiny from the UAE authorities in particular.     

Reports suggest that the use of fake academic degrees and employment contracts has undermined the credibility of applicants. This prompted the UAE to implement a stricter visa application process for people from Pakistan.

The situation has been exacerbated by reports of Pakistani workers engaging in political and criminal activities while in the UAE and other Gulf states.

The misuse of social media platforms has been identified as another concern, with allegations of inappropriate behaviour by certain Pakistani citizens online.

Such factors have contributed to a perception of non-compliance with immigration regulations, possibly straining relations between the two countries, as well.

The issue of overstaying visa has also become increasingly prevalent, with many Pakistanis reportedly remaining in the UAE beyond their authorised period.

Recent reports indicate that over 200 Pakistanis were deported from several countries, including Saudi Arabia and even the United States, within a single week due to visa violations and other legal issues.

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Despite the glaring issues, the Foreign Ministry clarified that there is currently no formal visa ban on Pakistani citizens. However, ongoing discussions with the UAE officials aims to address the concerns raised and facilitate travel for Pakistani nationals.