Gulf countries express discontent over Pakistani workforce, Senate body told

In a concerning turn of events that could have significant implications for numerous Pakistanis, several Gulf nations have raised concerns about Pakistani expatriates and the labor force.

This information was shared during a Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis meeting, where Secretary Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Arshad informed the committee that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have expressed reservations about various issues concerning overseas Pakistanis.

This disclosure comes months after the ministry revealed in September 2023 that a large number of Pakistanis leaving the country were beggars.

The ministry had reported that Pakistani beggars often travel to Iraq and Saudi Arabia under the pretense of pilgrimage (ziarat). Many enter Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas and then engage in begging activities.

According to the secretary, 90% of beggars arrested in these countries were found to be Pakistanis.

The latest development, however, points to a more troubling issue: inappropriate behavior by some Pakistanis in the UAE, including incidents of making videos in front of women in Dubai.

Dr. Arshad stated that approximately 0.6 to 0.8 million Pakistanis go abroad annually, with around 200,000 to 300,000 returning. Of those traveling abroad, 96% head to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.