Problems Encountered While Working In The UAE
A large number of Pakistanis live in the United Arab Emirates. According to an estimate, the number is 1.2 million, with 400,000 Pakistanis living in Dubai alone. Pakistanis are the third largest nationality after UAE nationals and Indians. Pakistani expatriates go to Dubai in search of employment as Dubai is a huge job market. According to the data of the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, 121,745 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in 2023, which is a second home for Pakistanis. We have to face problems out of which we will mention some important problems in this article.
Difficulties In Obtaining A Work Visa
A large number of Pakistanis live in the United Arab Emirates. According to an estimate, the number is 1.2 million, with 400,000 Pakistanis living in Dubai alone. Pakistanis are the third largest nationality after UAE nationals and Indians. Pakistani expatriates go to Dubai in search of employment as Dubai is a huge job market. According to the data of the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, 121,745 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in 2023, which is a second home for Pakistanis. We have to face problems out of which we will mention some important problems in this article.
Homesickness Or Distance From Homeland
There are low-skilled, mid-skilled and highly skilled Pakistanis and professionals from various fields in Dubai, but the distance from home is a source of pain for all. Apart from this, it takes time to get used to a new place, new environment and a new language.
Ill-Treatment Of Pakistani Workers Living In Dubai
Pakistani workers in UAE face bad working conditions. Not only do their employers confiscate their passports, they are also barred from leaving the UAE. Similar to Dubai and other Gulf states, the Kafala system exists in the UAE. But this law is violated and the Emirati government does not investigate and in such cases the employer forces the workers to live in labor camps where dozens of people are forced to live in one room. Also, there is no minimum wage law in Dubai. And forming a union is not allowed in the UAE and people need the employer’s permission to leave or change jobs. Therefore, this system has become a form of modern slavery.
Recruitment Fee
Paying recruitment fees is an important part of modern slavery, even before arriving in Dubai, migrant workers pay these fees to agencies that provide them with jobs in Dubai or the UAE. It is a crime under UAE law, but the situation remains the same. According to Human Rights Watch, some workers are sometimes given meals after work and medical expenses are deducted from their pay if they fall ill. Due to the absence of a union, no employee can raise their voice and in case of a strike, they are sent back home.
Necessary Measures To Restore The Rights Of Immigrants
Pakistani workers in the UAE should know their rights and where to turn if these laws are violated. If your employer violates your rights, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. But for this you have to deposit 100 dirhams workers who are working in free zone in this case they have to submit their complaint in court. , must keep photocopy of visa and employment contract. You can also take a photo of these documents if you want to avoid the hassle of losing the original documents. Also, keep in touch with your family And be sure to give them your employer’s name, address and telephone number so they can contact the local authority if you don’t get in touch. Make sure your family has a copy of your work permit, visa number and passport. Be sure to hand over the copy of your insurance certificate and also the membership card of Overseas Pakistani Foundation which you received while registering with the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment to your family members. In case of any problem you can contact local police or Pakistani consulate.
