Visa rejections for Pakistanis

Since the IMF’s strict stabilization policies, such as lowering subsidies and raising taxes, have hampered economic growth, impeded job creation, and increased unemployment, particularly among young people, Pakistan’s economic problems have gotten worse.

But as bad luck never strikes alone, Pakistani workers now have to deal with the denial of their visa applications in Gulf nations, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is a crucial location for labor and remittances. Many Pakistanis see possibilities abroad as their only hope for survival, while domestic enterprises struggle with inflation and rising energy expenses. But their desperation is being exacerbated by the Gulf’s stricter visa regulations, which are also making Pakistan’s economic problems and prognosis for foreign remittances worse.

A perfect storm has been produced by the combination of a downturn in the local economy and fewer opportunities for employment abroad. Pakistan’s economy depends heavily on remittances, but these are in danger of declining, which would put more pressure on the nation’s balance of payments.

Pakistan’s declining foreign exchange reserves and household incomes that depend on the earnings of expatriates are seriously threatened by this situation, as the UAE alone sends more than $5 billion in remittances annually. Additionally, poverty, social instability, and a growing sense of insecurity will eventually result from the absence of job development both domestically and internationally.

The Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi recently denied popular rumors that were making the rounds on social media and in the mainstream media, claiming that Pakistani officials had not been informed of the specifics of a visa prohibition. Faisal Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, did, however, admit to an extraordinary increase in visa denials.

He called the current rejection wave “unprecedented” when speaking on the sidelines of GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) Global 2024 in Dubai two months ago. The truth is that the government has never given any attention to investigating the possibility of exporting workers who possess the necessary abilities and disposition. Over the past two years, Pakistan has experienced a historic brain drain as both qualified and unskilled workers have left the country due to deteriorating political and economic situations.

While some people have the credentials necessary for success, many find it difficult to adjust to the UAE’s changing labor market, which requires specialized knowledge and is highly competitive worldwide. Many Pakistanis are unable to get good jobs because of this mismatch.