Blitz Bureau
THE United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries have imposed an indefinite ban on granting visas to people from at least 30 different cities of Pakistan. This follows an alarming rise in number of cases where Pakistani nationals have been caught begging or being involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other criminal offences abroad, reported a news agency.
Gulf countries and cities, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, remain as the most preferred destinations for millions of Pakistani travellers and job seekers.
However, following the ban and increasing visa rejections, the already dented image of Pakistani passportranked fourth worst in the world for the third consecutive year – will suffer further irreparable damage.
The UAE has also made it mandatory for visa applicants from Pakistan to submit a police character certificate.
“Since last year, we have witnessed hundreds of cases where labour visas, visit visas and even tourist visas have been declined for Pakistanis by the Gulf countries. The number of rejections is especially high for those people who do not hail from major cities of the country,” Muddasar Mir, Managing Director of Vinci Tours and Travels in Islamabad, said.
Statistics reveal that over 800,000 Pakistanis apply for visas to Gulf and Middle Eastern countries every year in pursuit of work, job opportunities and use their destination as a stepping stone towards travelling to western and European nations. In the past, over 4000 Pakistani beggars have been arrested in Saudi Arabia, especially from Mecca and Madina where they were caught begging during Umrah and Haj processions. Many Pakistanis have also been caught carrying illegal drugs and for their involvement in illegal activities.
