Foreign workers gather outside close to the Saudi immigration ministry (Representative image, source: AFP)
According to a recent report by the Pakistani media outlet Geo TV, several Gulf countries have raised significant concerns regarding the behaviour of Pakistani expatriates and labourers. This information was disclosed by the Pakistani government during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis.
Concerns Raised by Gulf Countries
Dr. Arshad, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, informed the committee that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have expressed reservations about the conduct of Pakistani nationals residing in their countries. This revelation follows a ministry report from September 2023, which highlighted that beggars constituted the largest group of Pakistanis emigrating from the country.
Begging Under the Pretense of Pilgrimage
One of the critical issues highlighted by Secretary Dr. Arshad was the trend of Pakistani beggars traveling to Iraq and Saudi Arabia under the guise of pilgrimage (ziarat). Many individuals visit Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas and then engage in begging activities. It was noted that 90 per cent of the beggars arrested in these countries were Pakistani nationals.
Expatriation Statistics
Secretary Dr. Arshad presented data showing that approximately 0.6 to 0.8 million Pakistanis travel abroad annually, with 200,000 to 300,000 returning each year. He stated that 96 per cent of these travellers head to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Issues Faced by Pakistani Expatriates
During the committee meeting, officials highlighted various issues faced by Pakistani expatriates. The UAE, for instance, reported that it had exceeded its quota of 1.6 million Pakistanis, now reaching 1.8 million. Additionally, it was noted that Pakistanis often overstay their visas in Malaysia, leading to imprisonment, and some have illegally remained in Iraq, though the exact numbers are unknown.
Senator Nasir Abbas pointed out that Bangladeshis are securing more jobs than Pakistanis. He mentioned that Pakistanis in Iraq are often employed as cheap labour, living in dire conditions akin to being prisoners. Abbas emphasized Iraq’s need for labour for its ongoing development projects while noting the numerous complaints from Pakistanis working there.
Saudi Arabia’s Specific Requests
Saudi Arabia hosts 2 million Pakistani expatriates, with 0.4 million arriving annually. Saudi authorities have specifically requested that Pakistan refrain from sending beggars and sick individuals, citing concerns over the welfare and behaviour of these groups.
Unskilled Labor and Crime Rates
Overseas ministry officials remarked that the majority of Pakistanis going abroad are unskilled and lack proper training, resulting in their replacement by nationals from other countries. They also highlighted issues with work ethics, attitudes, and involvement in crime. In the UAE, for instance, Pakistanis are reportedly responsible for 50 per cent of the crimes committed by expatriates.
Alarming Behavior in the UAE
The situation in the UAE is particularly concerning, with reports of inappropriate behaviour by Pakistanis, including incidents of filming women in Dubai.
Officials noted that other nations are becoming “suspicious” of Pakistanis and are starting to favour workers from different countries. They detailed that 600,000 to 800,000 Pakistanis travel abroad annually, with 96 per cent heading to the Middle East.
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis continues to address these pressing issues, aiming to improve the conditions and reputation of Pakistani expatriates abroad. The committee’s efforts are crucial in ensuring that the country’s workforce remains competitive and respected in the international labour market.
Leave a Comment