April 17th, 2020:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a visa extension for Pakistani nationals amidst the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Reportedly, the UAE has agreed to the extension along with other measures that were discussed between the UAE minister on human resource and PM’s aide on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bukhari on Thursday.
As a conclusion, the UAE ministry announced to assist Pakistani nationals in all possible ways and provide legal protection to those who are willing to stay.
Reportedly, both the ministers discussed about Pakistanis who have now lost their jobs due to the pandemic. They will be given full salaries but it was also discussed that virtual jobs will be provided to Pakistani employees on a priority basis.
April 10th, 2020: The Pakistani Consul General in Dubai announced that 10,000 Pakistanis in the UAE have now been rendered jobless due to coronavirus.
Overall, around 35,000 Pakistanis are registered with the consulate in Dubai who are looking to come back home according to Consul General Ahmed Amjad Ali.
The official shared that preparations are underway to bring the stranded individuals back home.
“Tourists, unemployed and the elderly will be given preference,” he said. He added that screening measures have also been completed for those who are returning from Dubai airport.
On the other hand, Dubai authorities are waiting for approval for Pakistan’s government to operate flights for those who want to return home.
Earlier, Dubai’s Gulf News earlier reported that hundreds of Pakistanis had gathered outside the consulate on Sunday to register to return home.
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