Watch: What Pakistanis must know about UAE laws
Abu Dhabi Embassy and Consulate General Dubai release special legal awareness video
DUBAI: In a detailed awareness campaign, the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General Pakistan in Dubai have released a special video to educate Pakistani workers and residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This initiative of Hussain Muhammed, Pakistan's Consul General in Dubai, is aimed at improving legal awareness, safeguarding rights, and helping the community avoid legal trouble while promoting the country’s positive image abroad.
The video features important insights from senior officials including Consul General Hussain Muhammed and others. Their message is clear: Respect for local laws and responsible behaviour are not only essential for individual success in the UAE but also uphold the dignity of Pakistan.
Legal awareness first
Hussain Muhammed, Consul General in Dubai, opened the video with a firm reminder: “Our responsible behaviour, actions, and respect for laws not only benefit us individually but also bring pride to Pakistan as a whole.”
For those residing in Dubai, entry permits must be verified on the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) website. In the other emirates – Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain – entry permit verification is done through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website.
Before starting work, it is vital to confirm employer details. This can be done using the u.ae website or by contacting the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai.
Those who wish to understand their labour rights should visit www.mohre.gov.ae – the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The Ministry also offers assistance via phone (+97168027666), email, or live chat.
For immigration or visa-related issues, Amer Centres have been established across the UAE. Meanwhile, Tasheel Centres deal specifically with labour-related matters.
Know your rights
The video urges overseas Pakistani workers to keep crucial documents safe and accessible. This includes up-to-date work contracts, passport and visa copies, employer information, medical records, residential details, and financial documents. These should also be shared with trusted family members both in Pakistan and the UAE.
Pakistani nationals must ensure they use legal remittance channels when sending or receiving money between Pakistan and the UAE. The Embassy and Consulate also stress the importance of protecting personal data such as SIM cards, email accounts, and bank credentials to prevent identity theft and financial fraud.
Workers must ensure they are covered by both life and medical insurance, not only in Pakistan but also in the UAE. Furthermore, after joining a company, it is the employer’s responsibility to register the employee in the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme – a UAE government unemployment insurance programme.
In cases of workplace abuse or disputes, complaints should be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources within one year of contract termination. After this period, complaints will no longer be entertained under Article 6 of UAE Labour Law. Abuse cases should also be reported immediately to the police.
Strict rules apply
Junaid Murtaza, Community Welfare Attaché at the Consulate General in Dubai, highlighted the need for strict adherence to UAE laws. “By remembering the laws discussed, you can better protect your rights within the UAE,” he said.
Pakistanis must avoid all illegal activities and online behaviour that may fall under UAE cybercrime laws. These include:
- Religious Insults: Posting or sharing religious content that may offend others is a criminal offence. This can result in up to 7 years imprisonment and Dh250,000–Dh1,000,000 fines.
- Anti-State Content: Sharing messages critical of any government’s policies may lead to 6 months in jail and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to over Dh500,000.
- Threats or Hate Speech: Threatening others online or spreading sectarian or hateful content can result in 2 years imprisonment and fines up to Dh1,000,000.
- Defamation: Insulting the UAE, its leaders, officials, or flag can lead to 5 years in jail and fines of Dh500,000.
- Privacy Violations: Sharing videos or photos of individuals or restricted places without consent can attract 6 months jail and Dh150,000–Dh500,000 fines.
Furthermore, involvement in human trafficking, promoting pornography, or harming children and women online carries 1–5 years imprisonment and heavy fines.
Other serious offences include:
- Insulting officials: Jail time up to 1 year and fines over Dh250,000.
- Illegal fundraising: Collecting charity funds without a license is prohibited.
- Fake jobs or online scams: Running unauthorised ads, online jobs, or money laundering operations is a criminal offence.
Stay safe, stay legal
Residents are warned never to work illegally while on a tourist or visit visa. They must also avoid unauthorised online activities, especially related to money transfers or fake advertisements.
- Regarding banking, all residents are advised:
- Never share bank OTPs, passwords, or ATM PINs.
- Avoid signing blank cheques or papers.
- Ensure adequate balance before issuing cheques, especially for rent.
- Report fraud or abuse to police rather than retaliating.
When it comes to transport, the law is equally strict. Driving offences can result in fines up to Dh50,000. International driving licences are valid only for non-residents. Road rage or inappropriate gestures can result in imprisonment or fines. Any disputes on the road should be reported to the police.
On medical matters, Pakistani residents should be cautious. The UAE has zero tolerance towards drug possession, including some prescription medicines. Violations may result in up to 25 years in jail. Travellers must check the Department of Drug Control’s approved medication list before bringing medicine into the country.
Grave crimes like murder, terrorism, espionage, environmental damage, child abuse, arson, perjury, and others carry the harshest punishments including long-term imprisonment or capital penalties.
Spread awareness
Samiullah Khan, Community Welfare Attaché at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi, concluded with a heartfelt appeal: “Let us all commit to abiding by the laws of our host country and become ambassadors of Pakistan-UAE friendship.” He encouraged viewers to share the video with family and friends, especially those already living in or planning to move to the UAE.