Karachi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Consul General in Karachi, Dr Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, has revealed in a recent interview, that the social media activity of visa applicants and online posts can significantly impact their chances of approval.
This move stems from concerns about the behavior of some Pakistani expatriates in the UAE, which have included incidents of unrest, misinformation campaigns, and even criminal activities.
The diplomat clarified that here is no blanket ban on Pakistani visas.
What is not allowed
He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, stating, "Our culture in the UAE emphasizes round-the-clock work, and obstructing roads or spreading false information about others is unacceptable here. Our laws and regulations strictly prohibit such actions."
Explaining what people should be careful about, he warned them against speaking negatively about their home country in the UAE and abstaining from discussing topics that could incite others. Dr Al Remeithi confirmed that five Pakistanis had been sentenced to 14 to 15 years in jail for similar offenses.
“Go enjoy your life, take your families, indulge in shopping or travel. Whatever you want to do we are with you,” he said. “We have helped and facilitated many people and issued visas to those who travel to the UAE for travel.
“We always think highly of Pakistanis [....] Some people have created a narrative that Pakistani people create problems. It’s not like that, Pakistanis are [in fact] great people,” the envoy added.
Advise to Pakistanis
He encouraged Pakistani nationals to use social media responsibly and to avoid engaging in activities that could jeopardize their chances of obtaining a UAE visa.
He praised the contributions of Pakistani expatriates, particularly in the construction sector, and encouraged young Pakistanis to explore careers in information technology, artificial intelligence, and medicine.
“The Pakistani youth should focus on the field of medicine as there are many opportunities for doctors in UAE,” he said. The consul general added that his government was striving to simplify the process of obtaining visas and verifying documents for Pakistanis. He assured that even without an appointment, Pakistanis could directly contact the embassy or consulate for assistance and information.
Pakistan-UAE relations
The UAE has issued over 70,000 work visas to Pakistanis in the past year and a half, demonstrating its commitment to providing employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers.
The consul general's statement serves as a wake-up call for Pakistani citizens aspiring to work or visit the UAE. By emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior and respecting local laws, the UAE aims to foster a harmonious environment for expatriates while protecting its interests.