- Pakistani expatriates, job seekers, and visitors in the UAE are advised to familiarize themselves with local laws to avoid penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Verification of visas and employers through official channels is recommended.
- The advisory provides resources for labor laws, visa and immigration assistance, and encourages maintaining important documents like medical records, passports, and employment contracts. It also highlights the importance of using official channels for money transfers and protecting personal information.
- Individuals are urged to follow specific guidelines, such as respecting privacy, avoiding prohibited substances, following traffic laws, and refraining from posting offensive content online. Job loss insurance and legal compliance are also emphasized for expatriates.
Pakistani expatriates, job seekers, and visitors entering the UAE on visit visas are strongly encouraged to acquaint themselves with and adhere to the local laws and regulations, according to a video advisory released by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions.
The advisory emphasized that non-compliance with UAE laws could result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, or deportation. It also provided guidance on verifying Dubai visas for Pakistani nationals through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA). Verification can be done via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security for visas issued by other emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Job seekers are urged to verify prospective employers through official government channels. If unsure, they can reach out to the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General in Dubai for assistance.
Additionally, the advisory highlighted resources for understanding labor laws through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) website, which offers support via email and chat services. For immigration and visa-related concerns, Amer Centres are available, while Tasheel Centres can assist with labor issues.
In case of disputes or criminal activity, individuals are advised to report the matter to the police immediately. Workplace grievances should be brought to Mohre within one year of the work permit’s cancellation. The advisory also recommended keeping medical records, valid passport and visa copies, employment contracts, financial records, and employer details readily accessible. These documents should be shared with close family members in the UAE and Pakistan for emergencies.
Expatriates are encouraged to use official channels for financial transactions between the UAE and Pakistan and take measures to safeguard identification documents, such as ID cards, SIM cards, passports, Emirates IDs, and email accounts. The advisory also highlighted the dangers of online banking and credit card fraud and recommended securing life and medical insurance in both countries.
All Pakistani workers in the UAE were encouraged to purchase Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance, also known as job loss insurance.
“As Pakistanis living abroad, we represent our country. Abiding by the laws of the UAE not only reflects positively on us but also enhances Pakistan’s reputation,” said the consul-general. With a community of around 1.7 million Pakistanis, making them the second-largest expatriate group in the UAE, and many more visiting every year, following these guidelines is essential:
- Avoid sharing content that could offend religious beliefs.
- Refrain from posting or uploading inappropriate or offensive material, including content related to human trafficking.
- Do not post criticisms of foreign policies.
- Avoid engaging in protests or posting threatening material online.
- Do not share photos or videos of others without permission.
- Refrain from photographing sensitive locations.
- Respect privacy and avoid spreading rumors or false information.
- Protect personal details like passwords, OTPs, and ATM PINs.
- Do not work on a tourist or visit visa.
- Be cautious with post-dated cheques and avoid signing blank cheques or documents.
- Follow traffic laws, noting that international driving licenses are only valid for non-residents.
- Strictly avoid narcotics and medicines containing prohibited substances.
- Do not raise funds for unregistered charities, as this is illegal.
- Serious offenses, such as theft, smuggling, and terrorism, carry harsh penalties.
Sami Ullah Khan, the Community Welfare Attaché at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi, urged everyone to share this advisory with family and friends, especially those living in or planning to visit the UAE.
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