Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are having one of their worst ever partnerships with thousands of Pakistani workers being driven out of the UAE in a flash. The New York Times reports that this crackdown seems to be connected to regional geopolitics, in that Pakistan is mediating between the U.S. and Iran. This is a diplomatic change but also a sudden loss of job and economic security for those who are affected and their families back home.
The Geopolitical Context: Why Now?
In recent times, the UAE has stepped up efforts in deporting Pakistani nationals, with certain reports indicating that certain communities, such as Shia Muslims, are being deported. The reason for the friction is that the UAE has not been able to condemn the region-wide strikes orchestrated by Pakistan, which also happen to be backed by Iran.
Gulf allies don’t see Islamabad’s “middle-ground” diplomacy as being supportive of Emirati security interests as it tries to play a neutral role and play a role in facilitating peace between Washington and Tehran. This has resulted in state-employed employees being fired by their employers without notice, even at large state-affiliated firms such as Etihad Airways, giving as little as 48 hours to leave the country.
The Legal Status of Expelled Workers
Numerous employees have complained about being detained and deported without the opportunity to settle their financial matters or without any formal charges. Under UAE Labor Law, employees have the right to withdraw their money and receive their end of service benefits. But the deportations now taking place under the “fast-track” program have skirted these normal processes.
Frozen Assets: Thousands of workers have been sent back without a chance to close bank accounts or to withdraw their savings.
Arbitrary Termination: The new pressure led to many not receiving the required notice period, making it harder for them to have a viable case for unfair dismissal.
Helpline and Support for Families in Pakistan
The sudden repatriation of almost 15000 workers has hit Pakistan’s economy a hard blow as it is heavily dependent on these remittances. The following resources have been provided to help these families:
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has established a special desk for returnees to record unclaimed assets and wages.
Helpline: 111-040-040
Consular Assistance: Families of detained individuals can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to seek information on the whereabouts and legal status of their loved ones.
The Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, is collecting information to discuss how to retrieve the bank accounts and pending gratuity payments of citizens, said reports.
Economic Impact on Pakistan
The mass expulsion of the migrant workers in the Gulf will further push Pakistan’s already fragile economy to the breaking point as they are a vital source of foreign exchange. The government is now facing pressure to have to balance its relationship with the outside world and safeguard the rights of its citizens overseas. In addition, workers can check the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis (MOPHRD) website for confirmed information regarding the laws related to the work.
