Local media has recently reported that Gulf countries like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are refusing to issue work visas to Pakistani expatriates. This issue was discussed during a Senate Standing Committee meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis. The reason behind this decision is reported to be the general misbehavior of some Pakistani workers, both on and off the job.
Major Concerns from the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed serious concerns about the behavior of certain Pakistani expatriates. A significant issue is the illegal filming of women in public places by some individuals. This behavior has raised alarms among UAE authorities, leading to stricter regulations and hesitancy in issuing work visas to Pakistani nationals.
Kuwait’s Issues with Work Ethics
Kuwait has raised concerns about the work ethics of Pakistani employees. One example cited by Kuwaiti authorities is that Pakistani nurses often delegate their tasks to ward boys, which is against professional conduct. Additionally, there is a complaint that many Pakistani workers are not trying to learn the local language, further complicating communication and job performance. Moreover, Kuwait believes that some Pakistanis see the country as a temporary stopover before migrating to Europe.
Safety Concerns in Qatar
In Qatar, the general behavior of Pakistani workers not following safety instructions has become a significant issue. Qatari officials have reported instances where Pakistani workers neglect basic safety measures, such as wearing helmets while on the job. This disregard for safety protocols has raised serious concerns among Qatari authorities, increasing scrutiny of Pakistani workers.
Saudi Arabia’s Criticism: Begging Under the Guise of Pilgrimage
Saudi Arabia has criticized the behavior of some Pakistani expatriates, particularly those who engage in begging under the guise of ‘Ziyarat’ (pilgrimage). Official reports indicate that a staggering 90 percent of the beggars arrested in Saudi Arabia are Pakistani citizens. In response, Saudi authorities have requested Pakistan to prevent such individuals from entering the country. Around 2 million Pakistani expatriates reside in Saudi Arabia, making this a significant issue for both countries.
