Pakistanis are reportedly involved in over 50 percent of the crimes committed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), prompting concerns from Gulf countries regarding Pakistani expats in the region, the Senate Standing Committee was told.
During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Arshad stated that the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have raised various issues related to overseas Pakistanis. Officials informed the committee that the UAE reported their quota of 1.6 million Pakistani workers has now exceeded 1.8 million.
Concerns were noted about Pakistanis’ work ethics, attitudes, and involvement in crime. In the UAE, Pakistanis are reportedly involved in 50% of overall crimes. The officials mentioned that nations are becoming suspicious of Pakistanis and are considering alternatives.
Further details revealed that 600,000-800,000 Pakistanis go abroad annually, with 96% traveling to the Middle East. It was noted that many sensible individuals seek opportunities overseas. However, officials highlighted that some Pakistani beggars travel to Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the guise of pilgrimage (ziarat). Most of these individuals visit KSA on Umrah visas and subsequently engage in begging-related activities.
Out of all the beggars arrested, 90% were identified as Pakistanis, according to the secretary.
