UAE to halt work visas for unskilled Pakistani workers

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has said that the days of unskilled Pakistani workers finding jobs in the UAE are coming to an end, as the country shifts towards a demand for high-end skilled professionals.

“We now need to train accountants, IT professionals, bankers, AI experts, physicians, nurses, and pilots for the UAE job market,” Tirmizi said during an interview with Gulf News.

The ambassador pointed out that as the UAE's demand for skilled workers continues to rise, there is immense potential for Pakistan to tap into if it focuses on enhancing skills.

He emphasised that the shift from low-wage, unskilled jobs to high-paying skilled roles would significantly improve the earning potential for Pakistanis.

“If we train our people in these high-demand sectors, they can step into high-paying roles with salaries ranging from Dh20,000 and above, far above what our current unskilled workers had been getting from Dh1,000 and above,” he explained.

Ambassador Tirmizi also discussed the evolving partnership between Pakistan and the UAE, noting that the relationship extends beyond simply sending workers abroad. “The partnership is not just about sending our workforce abroad but ensuring that Pakistan’s economic potential is realised on the global stage,” he said.

He added that this collaboration would span generations, focusing on investment opportunities and job creation for Pakistan.

A significant part of the ambassador’s focus was on skills development, especially in sectors like IT, accounting, healthcare, and aviation.

He highlighted the growing global demand for physiotherapists and nurses, not just in the UAE but worldwide. “We need world-class nursing facilities in Pakistan,” he added. He also revealed that discussions were underway to establish pilot training schools in Pakistan, offering affordable training for aspiring aviators.

In terms of remittances, Tirmizi shared that they had risen by 53% in just six months, reaching $4.5 billion, and expressed confidence that the total could cross the $9 billion mark by the end of the fiscal year.

“The blue-collar workers, the crane operators, the security guards — they all contribute to this incredible achievement,” he said, acknowledging the contribution of Pakistani expats from all walks of life.

Looking ahead, Tirmizi envisioned a future where Pakistan not only meets the needs of its population but also establishes itself on the global stage.

“We need to open up as a tourist destination, promote higher education, and establish Pakistan’s position in the global economy,” he concluded.