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Pakistan Tightens Passenger Screening Amid UAE Begging Concerns
Growing concerns over Pakistanis involved in begging in the UAE prompt stricter screening and police verification for travelers. Work visas remain open, but visit visa issues are under scrutiny.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-09
Pakistan Tightens Passenger Screening Amid UAE Begging Concerns

Amid rising concerns from Middle Eastern countries, particularly the UAE, over Pakistanis involved in begging, Pakistani authorities have stepped up passenger screening at airports to curb the trend.
A senior Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) official disclosed that immigration staff had recently offloaded multiple passengers suspected of traveling for non-legitimate purposes. The move aims to discourage individuals misusing visit visas.
The issue gained prominence during a Senate committee meeting on December 23, where it was revealed that all Pakistani travelers to the UAE would now require vetting and verification by the police. Travel agents have been instructed to comply with these new measures.
Committee Chairman Senator Zeeshan Khanzada clarified, “There is no restriction on UAE work visas.” However, Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) Aisam Baig highlighted a significant 50% decrease in Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE. He added that while visit visas are being abused, work visas remain unaffected.
“The UAE government has reservations about begging, but these incidents involve people on visit visas, not work visas,” Baig explained.
Secretary Arshad Mahmood underscored that 90% of immigration for work is managed by private OEPs and assured that alternative destinations remain open for Pakistani labor. Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab corroborated this, stating that 64% of Pakistani laborers in the UAE work in construction, while 38% are in the service sector.
Tayyab also emphasized that highly skilled professionals, such as doctors traveling on direct visas, contribute significantly to foreign exchange. “This isn’t just about Pakistan. The UAE is accepting fewer workers from India and Bangladesh as well,” he noted.
The Senate committee discussed the police verification process for UAE work visas, which requires applicants to present a police character certificate. This measure was praised as a step toward maintaining credibility.
Meanwhile, PPP Senator Shahadat Awan sought clarity on whether all visa categories, including visit visas, required police verification. Officials explained that work visas undergo stringent checks, while visit visas fall under a different jurisdiction.
The committee recommended that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engage with UAE officials to address visit visa restrictions and resolve concerns affecting the flow of Pakistani workers.
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