The dream of working abroad – especially in the UAE – captivates thousands of Pakistanis. But behind that dream lies a grim reality: a rise in fraudulent visa schemes that are destroying families, bankrupting individuals, and landing many in jail or on deportation flights.
In recent months, the UAE has tightened its visa regulations. Visas are now mostly limited to those who meet clear criteria: verified education, specialized skills, and legitimate job offers from registered employers. Nevertheless, a dangerous black market is thriving in Pakistan where agents promise “free visas,” “partner roles,” and even European transit.
Many of these so-called visas are fake or illegally obtained. In some cases, unsuspecting travelers are given documents with someone else’s details but their own photo, tricked into believing everything is “approved.” Others are sold fake UAE employment visas that have no validity in the immigration system. Once caught – often at airport immigration – these individuals face prison terms or deportation, sometimes even a legal ban on re-entry.
Why does this continue? The answer lies in a profound lack of awareness. Despite the internet offering clear legal avenues and warnings from UAE authorities, many people still fall prey to smooth-talking middlemen. The poor, often illiterate, and desperate are particularly vulnerable.
But this is not just a social problem – it is a governance problem. The Pakistani government must step up. Stronger regulations, crackdowns on unauthorized agents, and cooperation with UAE authorities are the need of the hour. Awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas, should educate youth on the legal ways to pursue international employment.
A visa is not a shortcut to prosperity. It is a legal contract between an individual and the state — and violating it leads to disaster. The dream is right, but the path must be Sharia.