Several Gulf countries have raised serious concerns regarding the behaviour of Pakistani expatriates and labourers, as revealed by a report from Pakistani media outlet Geo TV. During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, it was disclosed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have expressed significant reservations about the conduct of overseas Pakistanis.

The concerns of the Gulf nations primarily revolve around the high incidence of crimes committed by Pakistanis, inappropriate behaviour, and a large influx of beggars under the name of religious pilgrims. These issues have been escalating, leading to strained relations and stricter scrutiny of Pakistani nationals entering these countries.

One of the most alarming revelations was that Pakistanis are responsible for 50% of the crimes in the UAE. This statistic underscores a severe problem that impacts the reputation of the Pakistani diaspora in the region. Additionally, there have been disturbing incidents of inappropriate behaviour, such as filming women in Dubai, which has further tarnished the image of Pakistani expatriates.

Another major issue is the influx of beggars and unskilled labour. According to a report from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis in September 2023, beggars form the largest group of Pakistanis leaving the country. Many travel to Iraq and Saudi Arabia under the pretence of pilgrimage (ziarat) or on Umrah visas and subsequently engage in begging activities. It was noted that 90% of the beggars arrested in these activities were Pakistani nationals.

The report also highlighted that a significant proportion of Pakistanis going abroad are unskilled and lack proper training. This lack of skills and training has led to a situation where other nationals are replacing Pakistani workers. Officials pointed out that the work ethics and attitudes of Pakistani workers are also problematic, contributing to the preference for workers from other countries.

Specific Issues in Gulf Countries

United Arab Emirates

The UAE, which hosts a substantial number of Pakistani expatriates, has reported exceeding its quota of 1.6 million Pakistanis, now reaching 1.8 million. Many Pakistanis extend their stay beyond the allowed period, leading to legal complications and imprisonment. The UAE’s concerns also include the high crime rate among Pakistani nationals and incidents of inappropriate behaviour.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, home to 2 million Pakistanis with 0.4 million arriving annually, has explicitly requested Pakistan to stop sending beggars and sick individuals. The Saudi authorities’ request highlights the broader issues of public nuisance and strain on their social services due to the influx of unskilled and problematic individuals.

Iraq

In Iraq, the situation is particularly dire, with many Pakistanis reportedly living as “prisoners” and employed as cheap labour. It was noted that Bangladeshis are securing more jobs than Pakistanis, reflecting a preference shift due to the issues associated with Pakistani workers. The lack of proper documentation and illegal stay of Pakistanis in Iraq further complicates the scenario.

Need for a Skilled Workforce

The officials underscored the need for a skilled workforce to improve the image and employability of Pakistani workers abroad. Training and vocational programs could be pivotal in addressing this issue, equipping workers with necessary skills and improving their work ethics.

Stricter Regulatory Measures

Stricter regulatory measures and improved vetting processes for those going abroad can help mitigate the problems of illegal stay and involvement in criminal activities. Ensuring that individuals travelling on religious visas genuinely intend to perform religious duties and not engage in begging is crucial.

Public Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about the consequences of illegal activities and inappropriate behaviour abroad can also play a significant role. Educating potential expatriates on cultural sensitivities and legal expectations in host countries is necessary to prevent such issues.

The concerns raised by Gulf countries about the Pakistani diaspora’s behaviour are significant and multifaceted, impacting both diplomatic relations and the welfare of expatriates. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including improving skill levels, enforcing stricter regulations, and enhancing public awareness. By taking proactive measures, Pakistan can restore the reputation of its diaspora and ensuring better integration and acceptance of its citizens in foreign lands.