- Despite visa restrictions, existing Pakistanis enjoy equal opportunities in jobs and businesses across UAE
Interview with Mr. Zaheer Ahmed, Aircraft Engineer
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Zaheer Ahmed: I was born in Karachi and got my early education in my home country. I worked for Pakistan International Airlines and now I have been living in the UAE for the last 15 years, working as an Aircraft Engineer.
PAGE: How would you describe the life of a Pakistani in the UAE?
Zaheer Ahmed: There are more than 700,000 Pakistanis in the UAE. The living and working in the UAE is quite friendly and challenging at the same time. Pakistanis are working in a large spectrum of sectors/job starting from labourers to business executive(millionaire) and professional jobs like Accountants, Doctors, Professors, Engineers etc. Pakistanis who can afford are happy to live with their families for upbringing their children with quality of life including security, health and education. They are quite active in all economic sectors and often build deep local connections, with integration being a key aspect of their daily lives.
PAGE: What are the employment prospects for Pakistanis in the UAE vis-a-vis other nationals?
Zaheer Ahmed: Now-a-days, they are having trying times due to the ban on work visa. Therefore, we can see no new Pakistanis are welcomed anymore for now. Apart from that for existing, situation remains the same, they’ve equal opportunities in all ranges of jobs & businesses which is quite positive due to overall market boom.
PAGE: Tell me about the standards of education in the UAE?
Zaheer Ahmed: There are plenty of curriculums in the UAE available starting from local to international which includes British, American, Australian, Indian, Pakistanis and many other curriculums. Students can choose any model they want to follow. Education is normally well managed by its respective Ministry, and they have firm rules which are followed in letter and spirit. The school vibe is quite friendly for students, and the discrimination or pressure is barely seen among the students and merit is the only criteria here.
PAGE: Where do you see yourself in next 10 years?
Zaheer Ahmed: I intend to continue my career in Aviation for next 10 years. Alongside, I intend to enhance my skills/expertise in the same area. For which, I might need to go abroad to acquire further qualifications. So, I could thrive in my current position accordingly.