Pakistan works with the United Arab Emirates to address visa restrictions

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Faisal Niyas Trisi, described the refusal of the Gulf of Pakistan as a “serious and significant” issue, ensuring that the two countries are acting to address it.

In response to reports on the declining visa approval for the Pakistanis, in particular, last year, the applicants quoted concerns about the failure to practice local laws, political activities and slogans.

In an interview with the Arabic news, the ambassador said he had met the UAE officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Resources Development to resolve the matter.

“This is a very serious problem. It has been raised to the highest level of all the interactions,” said Timsi. “We work to solve the problem. We hope they will be resolved. The problem is very noticeable. I cannot deny it.”

Dimmyi explained that the visa denials were mainly due to the documentary credibility and the criminal records of some applicants. The UAE is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to verify documents, and any contradictions can lead to rejection.

“There was an important issue on the credibility of education and qualification documents from Pakistan,” he said.

Timsi also stressed that people with criminal records should be banned from going abroad.

“We need to improve the systems within the country to ensure that only real passengers are allowed to travel outside and find work outside the country.”

Dirmisi explained that the United Arab Emirates no longer do not require ineffective labor, because its physical infrastructure has already been developed.

“We have to train people now for highly skilled work, such as well -trained IT experts, artificial intelligence, trainers, skills, doctors, physiotherapists and laboratory technicians,” he said.

He also proposed to introduce a four -year nursing program recognized in the United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

“There is a surplus in Pakistan and improve the quality of education within Pakistan, and ensure that those people need technical, cultural, soft skills and language skills to compete in the international market,” Dirmisi added.

Despite the challenges, Pakistan’s money from the United Arab Emirates has experienced significant growth. According to Pakistan’s diplomatic work, payment has increased by 53.9% per year, with $ 3.58 billion predictions for FY2025.

“This is a very significant growth,” said Timsi. “If you have more skilled workers, you will increase the amount of money to Pakistan.”

Dimsi outlined Pakistan’s participation in recent exhibitions and trade events in the United Arab Emirates, which led to an increase in exports of information technology products and services. After the United States and the UK, the UAE has now become the third largest export of Pakistan’s ID exports.

Exports of food products including rice, sesame seeds and pink salt have increased by 28% over the past year.

After China and the United States, the United Arab Emirates is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner, the total bilateral trade has reached nearly 5 5.6 billion in FY2023-24. Pakistan’s exports to the UAE in the first half of the current fiscal year (July-December 2024) rose 31% to $ 873 million, compared to $ 670 million in the same period last year.

Timsi stressed that the two countries are committed to resolving the issue and expanding their economic cooperation, especially in the skilled labor and trade sectors.