Dubai (Pakistan News Online) Pakistani expatriates, job seekers, and visitors to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on visit visas have been advised to familiarize themselves with local laws and regulations, according to a video advisory issued by Pakistani missions in the UAE. The advisory aims to help Pakistanis living in or visiting the UAE understand their rights and responsibilities, thereby avoiding any legal complications.
Hussain Muhammad, the Consul-General at the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai, emphasized the importance of following UAE laws. “The reason of this video is to guide Pakistani expats in the UAE and those coming here to understand the local regulations, as well as their rights and responsibilities, to avoid any legal issues,” he said.
The advisory cautioned that violations of local laws could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or even deportation. It also highlighted the process for verifying Dubai visas through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) and visas from other emirates via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
Job seekers were advised to verify their potential employers through official government channels. In case of uncertainty, they are encouraged to seek help from the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General in Dubai.
The advisory also provided resources for understanding labor laws through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) website. Immigration and visa inquiries can be addressed through Amer Centres, while Tasheel Centres can assist with labor-related issues.
Expats were urged to keep essential documents, such as medical records, passports, visas, employment contracts, and financial records, easily accessible and to share them with close family members in the UAE and Pakistan for emergencies. They are also advised to use official channels for transferring money between the UAE and Pakistan and to safeguard ID cards, SIM cards, and other personal information to prevent fraud.
Additionally, Pakistani expatriates were encouraged to obtain life and medical insurance in both the UAE and Pakistan and to acquire job loss insurance (ILOE) in the UAE.
With approximately 1.7 million Pakistanis residing in the UAE and millions more visiting annually, it is critical for the community to adhere to these guidelines. The video stressed key precautions, including:
- Avoid sharing offensive content, especially related to religion or politics.
- Respect the privacy of others and refrain from sharing photos or videos without consent.
- Follow traffic laws and avoid working while on a tourist or visit visa.
- Strictly avoid narcotics and banned medicines.
- Do not raise funds for unregistered charities or participate in protests.
Sami Ullah Khan, the Community Welfare Attaché at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi, encouraged the Pakistani community to share the advisory video with family and friends, especially those planning to visit or work in the UAE.