Etihad Airways fires over dozen Pakistani staff in UAE amid strained ties? Here’s the reality

ISLAMABAD – Several reports on social media claimed Etihad Airways abruptly terminated over dozen Pakistani employees working at its UAE hangar, with some reports alleging they were given just 2 days to leave the country. The speculations went viral, fueled by posts linking the move to broader regional tensions and concerns over job security for expatriates in the Gulf. However, amid the growing speculation, it turned out that these reported layoffs are not nationality-based action against Pakistanis. A user said an affected employees served the airline for more than 18 years before the sudden dismissal. The posts further allege that the workers were summoned to immigration authorities and instructed to leave the UAE within just 48 hours, raising alarm over the abruptness of the action. The claims quickly gained traction online, with several users and commentators suggesting that Pakistani workers may be disproportionately impacted and framing the situation as part of broader concerns about job insecurity for expatriates in the Gulf. Some posts even described the move as part of a gradual reduction of “non-essential roles,” though no official confirmation supports these assertions. Amid the confusion, Pakistani policy expert Ali K. Chishti rejected idea that nationality played any role in the reported terminations. He stated that the layoffs are likely connected to standard workforce restructuring driven by pressures in the aviation and tourism sectors, rather than targeted discrimination. The controversy has also been amplified by broader online discussions referencing recent diplomatic and financial tensions involving Pakistan and the UAE, including claims about investment withdrawals and debt-related pressures. Still, none of these links have been officially verified in connection with the alleged airline layoffs UAE telecom giant reassesses exposure in Pakistan’s PTCL