Flag of Pakistan. ARCHIVE

Pakistani missions have issued a video advisory reminding Pakistanis in the UAE, whether expatriates or on visit visas, to follow all local rules and regulations. "The purpose of this video is to guide Pakistanis in the UAE and those coming here to be aware of local laws and their rights and responsibilities so they don't get into any sort of legal trouble,” said Hussain Muhammad, consul-general at the Pakistan Consulate, Dubai. In the video advisory, the Pakistani missions outlined important guidelines for Pakistanis to follow while living in the UAE: Visa Verification Check Dubai visas through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). For visas issued from other emirates, verify with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Job-Seeking Verify employers through government channels. If unsure, contact the Pakistan Embassy or Consulate for guidance. Labour Rules Information regarding labour rules can be found on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) website. You can use email and chat services for questions. For immigration issues, go to Amer Centres; for labor issues, visit Tasheel Centres. Reporting Crimes and Disputes Report crimes to the police. For workplace violations, inform MOHRE within a year of a work permit cancellation. Keep Records Handy Always have copies of important documents like your passport, employment contract, and medical records. Share these with close family members in the UAE and Pakistan. Money Transfers Use official channels to send money to and from the UAE and Pakistan. Protect Your Information Know how to protect your ID card, SIM card, passport, and online accounts. Also, get life and medical insurance, and consider job loss insurance (ILOE) if employed in the UAE. They are also advised to adhere to the following: 1. Don’t post or share posts related to religion that will hurt others’ sentiments. 2. Don’t post or share any content against any religion. 3. Don’t post any immoral content related to vulgarity, human trafficking, etc. 4. Don’t upload or share content which is critical or other countries’ policies. 5. Don’t threaten others online. 6. Don’t get involved or join any protest. 7. Don’t spread or share news, videos, or photos that are against the UAE’s laws, principles, institutions and people 8. Don’t share or upload content which reflects racism and hatred and affects peace in the society. 9. Don’t create fake e-mails, websites, and accounts which represent authorities and other individuals. 10. It’s a crime to malign an official on social media. 11. Don’t take photos of sensitive areas. 12. Don’t take pictures of others without their permission. 13. Don’t share others' photos and videos on social media without their permission 14. Respect others’ privacy and personal information. 15. Don’t spread rumours. 16. Don’t share your passwords, OTP, and ATM PINs. Banks and authorities will never ask you for these numbers. 17. Don’t run away from your employer, instead, seek help from Mohre. 18. Avoid obscene gestures and don't get involved in physical fights. 19. Don’t post or share content against any culture, religion, nationality, country, group, etc. 20. Don’t take up employment when visiting UAE on a tourist/visit visa. 21. Be careful with regard to post-dated cheques. Bounced cheques could cause serious legal complications. 22. Don’t sign on a blank paper and cheque. 23. Strictly follow traffic laws. 24. International driving licences are only acceptable to non-residents. 25. Narcotics are strictly prohibited in the UAE. 26. Some medicines containing such substances are also unlawful. 27. People should check the list of drugs/medicines permitted by the authority. 28. Don’t collect funds for an unregistered charity. 29. Robbery, smuggling of narcotics, terrorism carry severe penalties.

Violating local laws could lead expats or tourists to court and may result in imprisonment, fines, and possibly deportation.

“We, all overseas Pakistanis in the UAE, represent the country. Following the rules of the country we live in brings a good name not just to us individually, but also to the whole country," the consul-general said.

There are approximately 1.7 million Pakistanis in the UAE, making them the second-largest community in the country. Millions of tourists from Pakistan also visit the Emirates each year. FLE/Expat Media

For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page