New Police Character Certificate Now Required for UAE Work Visas for Pakistanis

Pakistanis aspiring to secure work visas for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must now meet a new requirement: submitting a police character certificate. This mandatory measure, introduced by the Bureau of Emigration, aims to ensure compliance with UAE regulations and improve the screening process for prospective workers.

Details of the New Requirement

Adnan Paracha, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA), confirmed the change, highlighting that it aligns with UAE concerns about maintaining legal and orderly immigration. Speaking to Express News, he welcomed the step as a way to strengthen bilateral trust between the two nations.

The measure comes in response to complaints regarding some Pakistanis engaging in begging and other illicit activities in the UAE. Paracha emphasized the importance of respecting the host country’s laws, especially given the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and the UAE.

Challenges with UAE Visas

Obtaining work visas for the UAE has been increasingly challenging for Pakistanis. In the past year alone, over 100,000 individuals have faced difficulties in securing employment in the UAE. Furthermore, an informal ban on visit visas from 24 cities in Pakistan has now expanded to 30 cities, exacerbating the issue.

The Economic Importance of UAE

As the second-largest source of remittances to Pakistan, the UAE plays a vital role in the country’s economy. Paracha has called on the federal government to prioritize diplomatic engagement with UAE authorities to resolve these ongoing visa challenges and secure better opportunities for Pakistani workers.

Additional Measures Against Illegal Activities

In related efforts to curb illegal activities abroad, Pakistan has recently added over 4,300 names to its Exit Control List (ECL). This step is part of a broader strategy to combat the rising number of Pakistani beggars in Saudi Arabia, discussed during a high-level meeting between Pakistani and Saudi interior officials.