On May 1, 2026, Etihad Airways terminated 15 Pakistani employees in Abu Dhabi, bypassing standard HR procedures. The affected employees received only a 48-hour notice to leave the UAE. Many had nearly two decades of service with the airline.
The dismissals reportedly involved immigration authorities, raising eyebrows within the Gulf aviation sector. This abrupt termination has sparked concerns regarding the treatment of Pakistani expatriates in the UAE.
Observers speculate that this incident could indicate rising diplomatic tensions between the UAE and Pakistan. Pakistan relies heavily on remittances from its overseas workers, including those in the UAE.
Key facts:
- 15 Pakistani employees terminated
- 48 hours given to leave the UAE
- Some employees had nearly two decades of service
- 1.6 million Pakistanis live in the UAE
- Pakistan repaid $3.45 billion debt to Abu Dhabi
No formal explanation has been provided by Etihad Airways regarding these terminations. The absence of transparency has only fueled speculation and unease among affected communities.
One source stated, “This isn’t just workforce management; it is a geopolitical execution.” Such sentiments reflect deeper concerns about how Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities may translate into social costs for its citizens abroad.
The long-term implications of this incident on UAE-Pakistan relations remain unclear. However, this episode serves as a reminder of the precarious position many expatriates find themselves in amid shifting immigration policies.
