ABU DHABI (Kashmir English): Pakistani visitors to the UAE on visit visas have been cautioned to comply with all laws and regulations of their host country and refrain from taking part in illegal actions.
This alert was issued by Pakistan’s Overseas Employment Corporation in line with the guidelines from relevant Pakistani embassies in the country and is of utmost importance in view of stringent monitoring of visa policy compliance.
Under UAE law, a visit visa and a tourist visa do not entitle one to take up employment or any paid or unpaid work. While migrants are expected to apply for an employment visa and work permits before taking jobs, violations of the law can result in penalties for both workers and employers.
UAE guidelines for Pakistanis on visit visa
- Use either a tourist or visit visa. Get the right work permit before starting employment.
- Keep your visa status valid, which means leaving the UAE or getting a legal extension before the visa expires to avoid penalties.
- Avoid any illegal activities because if caught, you may be fined, detained, or deported.
- Be extremely careful on social media. Do not post material that can be defined as insulting, defamatory, anti-government, or otherwise illegal. Cybercrime and privacy laws of the UAE apply.
- Do not shoot or take photos of sensitive places like military units, ports, and airports without permission. Get permission before taking photos of people.
- If you have any disputes, it is better to contact police and avoid violence or intimidation.
- Avoid any illegal protests, and protests in general, and comply with the local laws.
- Always treat women and other people politely and avoid harassing them.
- It is important to comply with transportation regulations, including complying with proper seating arrangements. It is advised to avoid carrying illicit drugs or banned medications. According to the Pakistani consulate advisory, certain drugs with narcotic ingredients can lead to serious legal issues.
- In addition, the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai has advised its nationals to take a passport that must be valid for at least six months and a valid visa, hotel reservation, sufficient money, sponsor’s contact information, and a ticket to return before the expiry of the visa. If these conditions are not fulfilled, the traveler would not be able to enter the UAE.
- It is necessary to know the difference between a jobseeker visit visa and a common tourist visa, taking into account the fact that an official UAE jobseeker visa allows eligible candidates to look for work.
