ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, convened to address critical challenges faced by Pakistanis traveling to Dubai and broader concerns affecting overseas Pakistanis.
During the session, Senator Khanzada highlighted the difficulties Pakistani nationals face in obtaining Dubai visas. In response, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Arshad Mehmood clarified that over 65,000 Pakistanis traveled to Dubai this year without visa issues, contributing significantly to remittances. However, the chairman pointed out complaints from travel agents, questioning, “If there are no issues, why are agents raising concerns?”
Officials explained that Dubai’s introduction of a police verification requirement stems from an increase in begging incidents, which led to the deportation of several Pakistanis. These deportees, they clarified, were not on work visas. Senator Khanzada expressed concern over the damage to Pakistan’s reputation, stating, “Dubai’s deportation of Pakistanis for begging tarnishes our dignity.”
As of July 2023, 44 Pakistanis were deported from Dubai for begging, with three more deportations in 2024 and additional cases under review. To address travel agents’ grievances, the committee proposed inviting them to the next meeting for further discussion.
Mehmood informed the committee that Dubai has halted visit visas, with policies now governed by the Foreign Office. The committee decided to involve Foreign Office officials in future discussions to resolve these matters.
Senator Nasir Butt highlighted recurring issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, including FIRs, property disputes, and encroachments. Mehmood tested the Customer Helpline by lodging a complaint during the meeting and praised the service, clarifying that individuals with legal concerns receive special attention, while others can access services through standard counters.
The meeting underscored the need for enhanced measures to assist overseas Pakistanis and address their concerns. The committee plans to explore further steps in upcoming sessions to prioritize solutions for the challenges faced by Pakistanis abroad.
