ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, held a comprehensive meeting to discuss the challenges faced by Pakistanis traveling to Dubai, as well as broader issues affecting overseas Pakistanis.
During the session, Chairman Khanzada raised concerns about the difficulties Pakistani nationals face in obtaining Dubai visas. In response, the Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, Arshad Mehmood, assured that there were no issues in issuing visas for Dubai and highlighted that over 65,000 Pakistanis had traveled to Dubai this year, contributing to an increase in remittances. However, the chairman raised a question about travel agents’ complaints in securing visas, asking, “If there are no issues with visas, why are the agents complaining?”
Officials from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis explained that Dubai had introduced a police verification requirement due to the rising number of begging incidents, with several Pakistanis being deported for this offense. It was clarified, however, that none of these individuals were on work visas. Senator Khanzada expressed concern, stating, “Dubai has deported several Pakistanis for begging, which is damaging our dignity and reputation.”
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As of July 2023, a total of 44 Pakistanis have been deported from Dubai on charges of beggary, with three more deportations taking place in 2024. Additionally, six to seven cases are currently under process and being reviewed for similar offenses.
In response to the ongoing concerns raised by travel agents, Senator Khanzada proposed inviting travel agents to the next meeting for further clarification on the issue. He emphasized the need to address any discrepancies and get to the bottom of the matter.
Mehmood also informed the committee that Dubai had stopped issuing visit visas and that the issuance is governed by the policy of the Foreign Office. The committee decided to invite officials from the Foreign Office to the next meeting for further discussion on the matter.
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Senator Nasir Butt highlighted the most common issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, which included FIRs, disputes, and property encroachments. In response, Mehmood, following the committee’s suggestion, contacted the Customer Helpline and lodged a test complaint. After interacting with the helpline representative, the Secretary praised the service provided and clarified that only individuals facing legal issues are dealt with a special counter, while others can access services at any available counter without issues.
The meeting also focused on exploring measures to provide better assistance to overseas Pakistanis and resolve their ongoing issues more effectively. The committee decided to take further steps in the next session to thoroughly examine the concerns of overseas Pakistanis and prioritise their issues for resolution.