Karachi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has decided to strictly enforce its visa laws for Pakistanis under the age of 18.
The UAE Consul General in Karachi, Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi, spoke about the Wadeema law — Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 pertaining to the rights of children — and the gulf nation’s decision to implement stringent measures.
“Under the Wadeema law, a significant number of Pakistanis with work visas in the UAE violate child rights laws,” he stated.
According to the consul general, these laws define the right of children to an education, but a large number of Pakistanis deny their children this right by keeping them at home.
“At an important meeting in the past, the government made tough decisions in this regard,” he said, adding that the rules regarding the rights of children with families living in the UAE must be strictly enforced.
The Emirati envoy emphasised the significance of children’s education. The UAE government has decided to prosecute parents who violate child protection laws.
He stated, “Wadeema law applies to Pakistanis with a work or residence visa.”
Al-Remeithi urged expatriate Pakistani parents in the UAE to provide for their children’s education and safeguard their rights, including those pertaining to health and freedom.
Additionally, the consul general told Geo News that the UAE is home to between 16 and 17 million Pakistanis.
Those who violate the law can be deported from the UAE, he said, and he informed the media outlet of restrictions on acquiring new visas.
In the future, Pakistanis who guarantee full implementation of Wadeema law will be granted visas.
Commenting on whether the law applies to other Pakistanis, Al-Remeithi stated that there is no such restriction on Pakistani citizens applying for a tourist visa.
The envoy clarified, “The UAE government will welcome Pakistani visitors with a tourist visa, and there are no restrictions on their entry into the country.”
