- Pakistanis continue to access work visas in UAE: Ministry of Interior.
- No sect-specific expulsions carried out from UAE: ministry.
- Social media reports are fabricated “to serve ulterior motives”: the ministry.
The government on Friday dismissed reports of targeted expulsions of Pakistani nationals from the United Arab Emirates, calling them “vicious propaganda” spread by vested interests.
The Interior Ministry issued the clarification after reports surfaced on social media of a targeted expulsion of Pakistani workers from the Gulf country in recent weeks.
The speculation apparently gained momentum after Pakistan repaid $3.5 billion in debt to the United Arab Emirates last month, increasing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
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“No country- or sect-specific expulsions of any country, including the UAE, are being carried out,” it adds.
The ministry clarified that expulsions, if any, were a routine process consistent with the regulations and legal system of the receiving country, violations of their laws, overstays or illegal documents.
He said that Pakistani nationals, having fulfilled the visa and work requirements of the host country, continue to visit or obtain work visas in the UAE and other friendly countries without prejudice.
The ministry claimed that “fake news peddles” and social media posts about reported evictions were malicious and fabricated “to serve ulterior motives.”
He added that any queries regarding Pakistani nationals abroad were taken up on a case-by-case basis with the country concerned through channels established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected “misleading and unfounded” reports regarding the UAE’s debt repayment, saying the repayment is a routine financial transaction.
In a statement last month, the Foreign Ministry rejected the reports, saying the UAE funds were placed with the SBP as part of bilateral trade deals.
The filings demonstrate “the UAE’s strong support for Pakistan’s economic stability and prosperity,” it said in a statement.
FO clarified that the government, through the SBP, was returning matured deposits to the UAE in accordance with mutually agreed terms.
“This is a routine financial transaction, and any attempt to portray it otherwise is erroneous and misleading,” he said.
