TravelIs Employment Visa Open for Pakistanis in 2025?
Yes, as of 2025, employment visas for Pakistani nationals are open and being actively issued in the UAE. While there were some temporary restrictions in the past—especially during the COVID-19 period or due to certain security concerns—those limitations have mostly been lifted.
At present, companies across the UAE, including private firms, government departments, and free zones, are hiring eligible Pakistani applicants. However, the process is strictly regulated and must go through the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Whether a visa is approved or not depends on the employer’s submitted documentation, your qualifications, and background clearance.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Pakistanis Can Get a UAE Employment Visa
If you receive a job offer from a UAE-based company, here’s what the visa process typically looks like:
1. Job Offer and Work Permit Application
Your employer will start by submitting your job offer and labor contract to MOHRE. Once approved, you’ll be issued a temporary work permit, also known as a labor card, which allows you to legally enter the UAE for employment purposes.
2. Entry Permit (Also Called Pink Visa)
Next, you’ll receive an entry permit that’s valid for 60 days. This document gives you official permission to enter the UAE and begin your visa process.
3. Medical Examination and Emirates ID Processing
After arriving in the UAE, you’ll go through a mandatory medical fitness test. You’ll also be asked to complete biometric scanning, which is required to obtain your Emirates ID. At this stage, your passport and entry permit are submitted to the immigration office for processing.
4. Visa Stamping
Once all steps are successfully completed, your employment residence visa will be stamped in your passport. Alongside this, you will receive your Emirates ID, which typically remains valid for one to two years, depending on your employment contract.
Documents Required for Pakistani Citizens
If you’re applying for a UAE work visa, make sure you have the following:
- A passport with at least six months of validity
- A confirmed job offer from a company registered in the UAE
- Attested educational certificates (attested by HEC in Pakistan and the UAE Embassy, if necessary)
- Recent passport-sized photos with a white background
- CNIC and family information (often required for security clearance)
- Past employment records, if available
Which Sectors Are Hiring Pakistanis in 2025?
Many sectors in the UAE continue to welcome skilled and unskilled Pakistani workers. Some of the most active industries include:
- Construction and engineering
- Transport and logistics
- Hospitality and tourism
- Healthcare and caregiving
- Private and commercial security services
- Retail, especially in hypermarkets and shopping malls
- Information technology and software development
- Oil and gas industry
- Domestic services (such as housemaids or drivers through licensed agencies)
Be Careful of Employment Scams
Unfortunately, visa scams are still common, and many Pakistanis fall victim to fraudulent agents who promise quick or guaranteed jobs. To stay safe, always take the following precautions:
- Verify that the company offering you a job is legally registered in the UAE.
- Do not pay large amounts upfront to agents or middlemen.
- Only deal with licensed recruitment agencies or direct employers.
- Remember, the UAE government does not directly offer jobs—employment is always arranged through authorized companies or agencies.
