Pakistani expats, job-seekers, and visitors to the UAE are urged to familiarize themselves with the country’s rules and regulations, according to a video advisory released by the Pakistani missions.
“The goal of this video is to inform Pakistanis living in the UAE, as well as those arriving, about the local laws, rights, and responsibilities to prevent any legal complications,” said Hussain Muhammad, Consul-General at the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai.
The advisory emphasized that violating UAE laws could lead to court cases, imprisonment, fines, or even deportation.
To assist Pakistani nationals, the video explained that visas issued by Dubai can be verified through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA), while those issued by other emirates, such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, can be checked with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
Job-seekers were strongly encouraged to verify their potential employers via official government channels, and to seek assistance from the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General in Dubai if there were any concerns.
Moreover, it was advised that key documents like medical records, valid passports, visas, employment contracts, and financial records should be readily available and shared with close family members both in the UAE and Pakistan.
Below are essential guidelines for Pakistanis, whether residing in or visiting the UAE:
- Don’t post or share posts related to religion which hurt others’ sentiments.
- Don’t post or share any content against any religion.
- Don’t post any immoral content related to vulgarity and human trafficking, etc.
- Don’t upload or share content which is critical or other countries’ policies.
- Don’t threaten others online.
- Don’t get involved or join any protest.
- Don’t spread or share news, videos or photos that are against the UAE’s laws, principles, institutions and people
- Don’t share or upload content which reflects racism and hatred and affects peace in the society.
- Don’t create fake e-mails, websites and accounts which represent authorities and other individuals.
- It’s a crime to malign an official on social media.
- Don’t take photos of sensitive areas.
- Don’t take pictures of others without their permission.
- Don’t share others’ photos and videos on social media without their permission
- Respect others’ privacy and personal information.
- Don’t spread rumors.
- Don’t share your passwords, OTP and ATM PIN numbers. Banks and authorities will never ask you for these numbers.
- Don’t run away from your employer, instead, seek help from Mohre.
- Avoid obscene gestures and don’t get involved in physical fights.
- Don’t post or share content against any culture, religion, nationality, country, group, etc.
- Don’t take up employment when visiting UAE on a tourist/visit visa.
- Be careful with regard to post-dated cheques. Bounced cheques could cause serious legal complications.
- Don’t sign on a blank paper and cheque.
- Strictly follow traffic laws.
- International driving licences are only acceptable to non-residents.
- Narcotics are strictly prohibited in the UAE.
- Some medicines containing such substances are also unlawful.
- People should check the list of drugs/medicines permitted by the authority.
- Don’t collect funds for an unregistered charity.
- Robbery, smuggling of narcotics, terrorism carry severe penalties.
