Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi has openly discussed the significant visa challenges facing Pakistanis in the UAE, particularly as the amnesty scheme is set to expire on October 31.

Speaking at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai, he acknowledged some improvement in visa approvals but noted it was minimal.

Despite the event attracting participants from over 180 countries, many Pakistanis struggled to obtain visas. Reports indicate that visit visas, typically a reliable option for Pakistani travelers, have faced increased rejections in recent months, particularly for men traveling alone or under 45 years old.

The UAE government has provided temporary relief by waiving fines and allowing individuals to exit without facing re-entry bans as part of the ongoing amnesty. However, the situation remains tense, with Tirmizi stating that Pakistanis have never encountered such widespread visa rejections before, despite the country’s passport ranking among the weakest globally.

Tirmizi, who has served in the UAE multiple times since joining Pakistan’s foreign service in 1993, called the current visa situation his greatest challenge in recent months. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to enhance its international image, urging collaboration between government and private sectors.

Statistics from Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment reveal a sharp decline in registered Pakistani workers in the UAE — from nearly 230,000 in 2023 to under 60,000 this year. If the trend continues, this could mark the lowest registration of Pakistani workers for employment in the UAE, excluding the pandemic years.

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While many have questioned the strictness around workers’ visas, Tirmizi noted that Pakistanis have traditionally used tourist visas to enter the UAE and later converted them to work visas. However, as the UAE’s job market evolves, there is a growing demand for highly skilled workers rather than the blue-collar labor that has previously characterized Pakistani migration.

Tirmizi highlighted the UAE’s significant developments, including the establishment of media and sports cities and the recent expansion of GITEX GLOBAL. He acknowledged the need for Pakistani workers to improve their competencies, particularly in emotional intelligence and adaptability to diverse environments.

Tirmizi expressed optimism about Pakistan’s IT sector, advocating for a focus on exporting IT services to bolster the economy. He also mentioned plans to pursue hosting GITEX in Pakistan, recognizing the country’s potential in the tech industry.