Pakistani workers who want to seek employment in the UAE will now have to go through a new process: obtaining a police verification report. This change was discussed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, highlighting the evolving immigration requirements for those seeking job opportunities in the UAE.
New Police Verification Rule
In a recent meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPHRD) explained that Pakistanis wishing to work in the UAE must now submit a police verification report before they can enter the country. This measure is part of the UAE new requirements for Pakistani workers, aimed at improving the hiring process and ensuring better security for both the workers and the UAE labor market.
Impact on Pakistani Workers
According to the Secretary, approximately 700,000 Pakistani workers have gone abroad this year, with many seeking opportunities in countries like the UAE. However, the new rule is expected to create some challenges for workers, especially those who may not be familiar with the police verification process.
The UAE is still one of the largest labor markets for Pakistani workers, but as the demand for unskilled labor declines, the focus is shifting to sending more skilled workers abroad. The government is urging people to improve their skills and qualifications to increase their chances of finding work in the UAE and other foreign countries.
What’s the Process for Police Verification?
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply for Police Verification | Workers need to apply for a police verification report from local authorities. |
| 2. Submit Documents | Provide necessary documents, including identification, to the police. |
| 3. Verification Process | The police will conduct checks to ensure there are no criminal records. |
| 4. Receive Report | Once verified, the report is issued, confirming the worker’s criminal record status. |
| 5. Submit to UAE Authorities | Workers submit the police report as part of their visa application process for the UAE. |
This new requirement has caused some confusion among travel agents, as they report that many people are still facing delays in getting visas, despite meeting all the requirements. The government is working to ensure that these processes are clarified and made easier for potential workers.
Senator Khanzada Concerns
During the meeting, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada raised concerns about the growing issues workers face in meeting the new requirements. He mentioned that despite travel agents following all the procedures, there are still significant delays in issuing visas. The Senator called for clarity on why these delays are happening, particularly when there is high demand for workers to travel to the UAE.
He suggested that Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) should be invited to the next meeting to discuss the issues and gather feedback on how to improve the situation. Senator Khanzada also emphasized the need for better data and transparency to understand the real reasons behind the delays.
Housing Issues for Overseas Pakistanis
The meeting also touched upon issues concerning housing schemes for overseas Pakistanis. The Director General of Housing from the Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF) reported that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) had completed 95% of the work on the housing project, but certain issues, such as retention money, were still pending.
Senator Khanzada expressed concern that the housing project, which was initially set for completion in 2008, is still unfinished after more than 16 years. He urged FWO to resolve its financial obligations and complete the project as soon as possible.
Improvements in Airport Services for Overseas Pakistanis
The Senate Committee also received updates on dedicated immigration counters for overseas Pakistanis at international airports. Senator Nasir Mehmood highlighted the importance of having these counters open, especially during departure times, to help Pakistanis traveling abroad.
Summary and Next Steps
The committee discussed the need for faster resolution of these issues, particularly the visa delays and the housing project. The Senate has urged government agencies to provide updates on the progress of these issues and set clear deadlines for resolution.
| Issue | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Visa Delays for Pakistani Workers | Streamline the visa process and clarify the reasons for delays. |
| Police Verification Requirement | Provide better information to workers about the verification process. |
| Housing Projects | Resolve the outstanding financial and development issues quickly. |
| Dedicated Immigration Counters | Ensure the counters are maintained and operational at airports. |
Senator Khanzada emphasized the committee’s commitment to supporting overseas Pakistanis and resolving these pressing issues to make their lives easier.
