ISLAMABAD:
A Senate panel on Monday deliberated on unofficial visa restrictions imposed on Pakistanis traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and emphasized early resolution of the issue.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was held under the chairmanship of Senator Zeeshan Khanzada.
Senator Khanzada emphasized the urgency of addressing lingering visa concerns and noted public frustration over unresolved issues. “People are wondering when these issues will be resolved,” he said, urging clarification of the underlying challenges, according to a news release.
The lawmaker pointed out discrepancies in visa processing despite applicants meeting all requirements and emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed through updates and compliance schedules.
The severity of the Ministry of Pakistan Overseas and Human Resources Development (OPHRD) clarified that the restrictions were not absolute, particularly in Dubai, where skilled manpower is not affected.
It acknowledged a recent decline in demand for unskilled labor and highlighted the need to prioritize skilled labor migration. He added that this year approximately 700,000 workers were sent abroad.
Senator Khanzada recommended inviting Overseas Employment Promoters (OEP) to the next meeting for a detailed review of market demand and data accuracy.
Regarding housing projects, the general director of housing of the Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF), informed that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has completed 95% of the works of a delayed project, whose completion was initially scheduled for 2008. However, he said that litigation and unresolved liability issues have hampered progress.
The Chairman urged quick resolution of these issues, suggesting that FWO clear its dues and involve Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) for necessary connections. He stressed on setting a deadline of two months to provide functional housing to overseas Pakistanis.
The committee members discussed establishing dedicated immigration counters at international airports for overseas Pakistanis. Senator Nasir Mehmood stressed the importance of maintaining these counters, especially for departing passengers.
Addressing social welfare services, Khanzada highlighted the plight of people whose passports had been confiscated, preventing their return to Pakistan. He called for urgent measures to facilitate their repatriation, particularly for those leaving prison.
