ISLAMABAD: In a disturbing development that may have far-reaching implications for hundreds and thousands of Pakistanis, several Gulf countries have expressed their concerns about Pakistani expatriates and the workforce.
The revelation was made during the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis during which Overseas Pakistanis Minister Dr Arshad informed the forum that United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait have expressed reservations on various issues related to Overseas Pakistanis.
The disclosure comes months after the ministry informed the same body in September 2023 that out of all Pakistanis leaving the country, beggars are the most likely to go abroad.
The official said Pakistani beggars travel to Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the guise of ziarat [pilgrimage]. Most people visit KSA for Umrah visas and then indulge in begging activities.
Of all the beggars who were arrested, 90% were found to be Pakistanis, the secretary said.
However, the current development is on a much more disturbing issue as it points to the somewhat “inappropriate” behavior of Pakistanis in the UAE, including filming them in front of women in Dubai.
Minister Dr. Arshad informed the committee today that about 0.6 to 0.8 million Pakistanis go abroad every year, of which 200,000 to 300,000 return.
Of the total number of people traveling abroad, 96% go to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, they said.
