Pakistani citizens looking to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now need to provide a police verification report to obtain a visa, following a new directive announced by the Bureau of Emigration.
This new requirement, confirmed by the Director General Muhammad Tayyab, applies to all travel cases and aims to ensure that no individual departs for the UAE without proper clearance.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest changes and how they could impact Pakistani travelers.
Police Verification requirement for UAE Work Visa
On December 23, during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, Muhammad Tayyab shared that the UAE authorities now mandate police clearance for all Pakistani nationals seeking entry. “No case of travelling to the UAE will now be allowed without police verification,” Tayyab confirmed.
This step is part of a broader effort to enhance the vetting process for those heading to the Gulf nation, ensuring safety and compliance with local regulations.
Travel agents, who facilitate visa applications, have been instructed to implement the new rule immediately, with a clear directive to adhere to the police verification requirement for all applicants, he added.
However, Pakistani officials later stated that the police verification requirement specifically applies to work visas. “This police verification is for work purposes, and it is also for other countries,” DG Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment Muhammad Tayyab clarified in an interview with Arab News, adding that his comments during the Senate session were focused solely on employment-related travel and not for those going on visits, personal visits or tours.”
Employment Visa concerns and clarifications
The UAE’s visa policy for Pakistani nationals has been a point of contention, particularly regarding employment visas. Senator Shahadat Awan raised concerns about whether restrictions on Pakistani workers had been fully lifted. He asked, “If the restrictions have been removed, let us know officially.”
In response, Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPHRD), clarified that the UAE was not imposing a blanket ban on Pakistani workers. While unskilled labor has faced delays due to a decrease in demand, skilled labor continues to find opportunities in the UAE. “There is no ban on skilled labor,” Mahmood stressed, pointing out that approximately 65,000 Pakistanis have already travelled to the UAE this year alone.
Despite these clarifications, confusion still surrounds the UAE’s visa policies. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada expressed frustration at the lack of transparency, calling for clear communication from both the Pakistani government and the UAE authorities. “We need a clear answer: Is there an official ban or not?” he asked, urging better coordination to understand the UAE’s current labor market needs.
Senator Nasir Butt also raised concerns, criticizing the difficulties faced by Pakistani nationals in securing visit visas to the UAE. Mahmood explained that visit visas fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his ministry’s focus remains on employment-related issues.
Focus on skill development
Pakistani officials emphasized that the key to increasing employment opportunities for Pakistanis in the UAE lies in improving skill development programs. Mahmood stressed, “If we send skilled labor, there will be more opportunities for them in the UAE.” This sentiment was echoed by other members of the Senate Standing Committee, who underscored the importance of aligning Pakistan’s labor market with the evolving needs of international employers.
As the UAE remains a significant labor market for Pakistani workers, particularly in sectors like construction, healthcare, and engineering, the government is optimistic that initiatives to improve workforce skills will open new doors for Pakistanis abroad.
Arshad Mahmood noted that the UAE’s worker quota for Pakistan has increased from 1.6 million to 1.8 million, with skilled workers being given priority. However, he acknowledged that the demand for unskilled labor has dropped significantly. “We need to focus on skilling our workforce to meet UAE’s requirements,” Mahmood added, emphasizing the need to align Pakistan’s labor force with international standards.
He reiterated that by the end of year 2024, an estimated 700,000 Pakistanis are expected to have traveled abroad for work and other opportunities.
Step-by-Step guide for obtaining Police Character Certificate for Islamabad Residents
Step 1: Visit the Police Khidmat Markaz
Head to the Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) located at Sector F-6/1, H-11 Police Lines, or any nearest police station to initiate the application process for the Police Character Certificate.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather the following documents needed for the application:
- Original CNIC/B-Form and Passport
- Original and copy of Passport, CNIC/B-Form, and an Affidavit (if the applicant does not have an Islamabad address on their CNIC)
- Authority Letter (if the applicant is abroad): The letter should be attested by the relevant embassy or a respectable Gazetted officer known to the applicant.
- Applicant’s Photograph
- Affidavit from the person authorized by the applicant, mentioning the duration of the applicant’s stay abroad
- Photocopy of the last exit page of the applicant’s passport
- If the applicant is overseas, the application can be submitted by a blood relative (father, mother, brother, sister, etc.) with the required authority letter from the applicant.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application along with the required documents at the Police Khidmat Markaz or the nearest police station. Ensure that all documents are properly signed and verified to avoid delays.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
The Police Character Certificate will be processed in 3 working days after the submission of the application.
Step 5: Collect Your Certificate
After 72 hours, return to the Police Khidmat Markaz or the police station to collect your Police Character Certificate.
Fee: The application fee for the Police Character Certificate is PKR 1000.