Pakistan introduces new requirement for UAE work visas

Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) has announced a new mandate for individuals applying for work visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Effective immediately, all prospective workers intending to travel to the Gulf nation will be required to submit a police character certificate as part of the visa application process.

The move comes in response to growing concerns about illegal activities and the potential misuse of work visas, which have negatively affected the country’s image and created challenges for law-abiding citizens seeking employment opportunities in the UAE. Authorities in both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi have decided to tighten regulations to safeguard the integrity of the immigration process.

A notification issued by the BEOE confirmed the new requirement, which specifies that all Protectorate Employees (PEs) intending to emigrate to the UAE must obtain a Police Character Certificate before registering with the protectorate. The letter, received from the Pakistan Airports Authority, emphasised that this certificate will be a mandatory prerequisite for the registration process.

The BEOE has also directed that this information be shared with all Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) to ensure full compliance. This measure is part of broader efforts by both Pakistan and the UAE to prevent illegal activities and enhance the safety and security of workers abroad.

Impact on employment and immigration

The UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Pakistani workers due to its booming economy, luxurious lifestyle, and modern infrastructure. With cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering abundant employment opportunities, millions of Pakistanis have sought to work in the UAE in various sectors, including construction, hospitality, healthcare, and technology.

However, incidents involving illegal activities by a small number of individuals have led to increased scrutiny and stricter regulations. Both Pakistan and the UAE are committed to ensuring that migration is safe, legal, and transparent, thereby protecting the interests of workers and enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

With this new requirement in place, Pakistani workers are urged to prepare the necessary documents well in advance to avoid delays in the visa application process. The police character certificate will now serve as an essential component of their visa application, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to ensuring that its workforce is made up of individuals with a clean legal background.