Pakistan Introduces Character Certificate Requirement for UAE-Bound Workers

Islamabad(Qudrat Daily)In response to reports circulating in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding negative perceptions of Pakistanis, particularly concerning their involvement in begging and illegal activities, the Pakistani government has introduced a new requirement for workers heading to the UAE. From now on, Pakistanis applying for employment visas to the UAE will be required to obtain a **character certificate** from the police.

**What is a Character Certificate and How to Obtain It?**

Adnan Paracha, Vice President of the Overseas Employees Association, explained that following complaints from the UAE about some Pakistani nationals engaging in unlawful activities, the Pakistani government has made it mandatory for individuals applying for employment visas to the UAE to submit a police-issued character certificate. According to Paracha, this certificate will be required to be submitted to the **Protector of Emigrants’ Office** when processing the worker’s documents.

**Streamlining the Screening Process**

Paracha further explained that the **Protector** is usually involved in the final stages of the emigration process, once the individual has completed all other formalities. The introduction of the character certificate will make it easier for authorities to screen prospective workers and curb the misuse of social media for illegal purposes. The move is intended to streamline the screening process and ensure that only individuals with clean backgrounds are allowed to migrate for employment.

**Need for a Unified System for All Visa Categories**

Paracha emphasized the need for the Pakistani government to establish a unified system for all citizens traveling to Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, for purposes other than employment. He pointed out that many Pakistanis traveling on **tourist or visit visas** to these countries should also be subject to similar checks.

He observed that while many individuals going for work visas are employed legally, they are not involved in any begging-related activities. However, he stressed that Pakistan needs to extend similar requirements to **visit visa holders** as well, to ensure a better screening process for all types of travel.

**Improving Pakistan’s Image**

Adnan Paracha highlighted that Pakistan has a significant number of nationals working in **Saudi Arabia** and the **UAE**, two countries with which Pakistan maintains strong bilateral relations. He stressed the need for Pakistan to improve its own systems to enhance the country’s image abroad. By taking these measures, Pakistan aims to ensure that its citizens are contributing positively and that their presence in foreign countries is seen in a favorable light.

**Simplifying the Certificate Process**

Regarding the character certificate itself, Paracha suggested that the police departments should establish a more **efficient and accessible system** for issuing these certificates. This would ensure that citizens can obtain the required documentation without unnecessary delays or complications, thereby facilitating the emigration process.

The introduction of this new requirement is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to maintain a positive image abroad and ensure that its citizens contribute constructively to the economies of the countries where they work.