The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Wednesday expressed concern over reports of Pakistani blue passport holders facing difficulties at airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These include the parliamentarians and diplomats as well.
During a committee meeting, lawmakers highlighted incidents in which Pakistani travellers were allegedly offloaded from flights or subjected to inconsistent immigration procedures despite holding official passports and travelling on official business.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior informed the committee that the issue was being taken up with the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels.
They also assured lawmakers that efforts were underway to address concerns and facilitate smoother travel arrangements for Pakistani officials.
Committee members urged the government to make sure that holders of official passports receive the facilitation that is expected under the existing bilateral agreements between Pakistan and the UAE.
The discussion also discussed about the broader concerns about visa restrictions. It also included increased immigration scrutiny that is reportedly affecting the Pakistani travellers in recent months.
UAE introduces major changes to work permit process
Recently, the UAE announced a new phase in modernising work permit services. The changes are expected to make it a goal of making it easier, more flexible and more digital.
The initiative was introduced by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It aims to streamline the transaction process, improve the customer’s journey and boost the UAE labour market competitiveness.
MoHRE has started an online public consultation period until July 30. Here, the employers, workers and the public can provide suggestions on the current work permit services and propose improvements.
The ministry is also looking to redesign the procedure involved in getting permits. Additionally, to make it easier to comply with the labour laws, so that permits are issued quickly.
UAE announces temporary visa ban
The UAE is stopping people from three African countries from getting new visas. The move is being taken over concerns regarding the spread of the Ebola virus. The three countries are Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) of the UAE made the decision in order to protect the public health of the UAE.
