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Abu Dhabi, December 04, 2012 (PPI-OT): The foreign policy of Pakistan attaches utmost significance to overseas Pakistanis especially once they are facing difficulties. This was stated by Ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates Mr. Jamil Ahmed Khan at a press conference held at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai today. The Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Tariq Iqbal Soomro was also present during the press conference.
Facilitation counters have been created catering for Pakistanis who are out of status in terms of expiry of passports; for those who do not possess ID cards; and for those who are not in a position to present any document to prove their nationality. Counters for each category have dedicated Embassy staff to deal with; and assist in issuance of travel documents. Similar arrangements have also been catered for by the Consulate General of Pakistan at Dubai.
During the last three amnesties granted by the UAE Government, 50,000 Pakistanis availed of the opportunity in 1996; 25,000 in 2003 and similar number of Pakistanis in 2007, the Ambassador added.
Ambassador Jamil further stated that the Embassy would bear the expenses for application writing, copying of identity documents and photographs for the amnesty seekers. The individuals would be getting their travel documents and no service charges shall be applied.
Based on the past experience and the turn out of Pakistanis on the first day of the current amnesty, it is estimated that less than 50,000 Pakistanis are likely to avail of the amnesty program. The Embassy has also proposed to the Government of Pakistan that the people who are being repatriated to the country should be assisted in giving soft loans to the tune of Rs.300,000 each for their reintegration and settlement in the society through the banks and through Benazir Income Support Program.
The amnesty announcement by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi is yet another demonstration of his magnanimity and respect for human values and human rights, said the Ambassador.
“We must respect the law of the land as had been done in past and all Pakistanis should avail the opportunity of amnesty lest they become out of status or illegal”, Ambassador Jamil further stated.
For more information, Contact:
Miss. Aisha Kiran
Executive Secretary to the Ambassador
Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Abu Dhabi
UAE.
Tel: 00971-2-4446777
Fax: 00971-2-4447172
Mobile: 00971-50-4143271
Email: aisha.kiran@pakistanembassyuae.org
Website: www.pakistanembassyuae.org