Police verification now mandatory for Pakistani travellers to UAE
New visa policy aims to streamline travel and boost worker safety
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani citizens aiming to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must now obtain a police verification report, a requirement introduced by the Bureau of Immigration.
This announcement was made by Director General Muhammad Tayyab during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Overseas Pakistanis.
The directive, he said, applies to all categories of travel to the Gulf state, ensuring that no case proceeds without proper clearance.
Travel agents have been instructed to strictly adhere to this new guideline.
UAE employment visa trends
During the session, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Arshad Mahmood clarified that employment visas for skilled labour remain unaffected. “This year, 65,000 Pakistanis have already secured jobs in the UAE. The total workforce quota has risen from 1.6 million to 1.8 million,” he stated.
Unskilled workers, however, face delays. Mahmood emphasised the need for workforce upskilling, stating that aligning labour skills with international standards could unlock additional opportunities.
Secretary Mahmood highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the UAE. “By sending skilled labour, we enhance our workforce's credibility and cater to UAE's specific requirements,” he explained. Currently, over 700,000 Pakistanis are estimated to have secured employment abroad this year, contributing to remittance growth.
Understanding UAE policies
The new police verification policy coincides with rumours about visa restrictions. Despite rumours, UAE officials have denied claims of any outright visa bans. Consul General Dr Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, in a statement last month, urged travellers to process applications through UAE visa centres, dispelling misinformation about restrictions.
Dr Remeithi also emphasised that UAE authorities assess visa applicants’ digital footprints, encouraging responsible social media usage. "Your online activity reflects your personal and national image," he noted.
Focus on future prospects
The Senate committee concluded the meeting by emphasising the need for robust training programmes to meet UAE’s evolving workforce demands. Officials expressed optimism that improved preparation would translate into increased opportunities for Pakistani workers in the Gulf region.