On May 1, 2026, Etihad Airways terminated 15 Pakistani employees in Abu Dhabi. The airline bypassed standard HR procedures during these dismissals. The affected employees received only 48 hours’ notice to leave the UAE.
Some of the terminated workers had nearly two decades of service with the airline. Reports indicate that the terminations were routed through immigration authorities, raising eyebrows among observers. This incident has sparked concerns regarding the treatment of Pakistani expatriates in the UAE.
The abrupt nature of these dismissals has led to speculation about potential diplomatic tensions between the UAE and Pakistan. Pakistan relies heavily on remittances from its citizens working abroad, particularly those in the UAE, where approximately 1.6 million Pakistanis reside.
No formal explanation has been provided by Etihad Airways regarding these terminations. The absence of transparency has only fueled speculation and unease among affected employees and their families.
Observers note that this episode serves as a reminder of Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities and how they increasingly translate into diplomatic and social costs for its citizens abroad. Analysts believe that this incident could impact future relations between the two nations.
Officials have not confirmed any direct link between these firings and broader geopolitical issues. However, the situation highlights ongoing concerns about UAE immigration policy and its implications for expatriate communities.