It has been claimed that 15 Pakistani employees working in hangar operations at Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi were abruptly dismissed and asked to leave the country within 48 hours.
The development in the hangar operations in Abu Dhabi is being closely monitored due to the involvement of the immigration process.
Etihad Airways suddenly terminated the employment of 15 Pakistani staff working at its hangar in Abu Dhabi. According to information obtained by CNN-News18, these layoffs were carried out extremely quickly and created a shock effect within the local expatriate community.
48-Hour Ultimatum
According to senior sources, the 15 employees in question did not learn about their dismissal through standard human resources procedures. Instead, they were reportedly called directly to the immigration office, where they were formally notified that they must leave the United Arab Emirates within 48 hours.
It is stated that the group includes senior personnel who had been working at the company for up to 18 years. This sudden decision has placed the employees in a serious predicament, as the two-day period leaves almost no time to complete financial transactions, close bank accounts, and make family arrangements.
Silence from Etihad Airways
As of Thursday evening, Etihad Airways had not made an official statement regarding the reason for the layoffs. Although restructuring is occasionally seen in airline companies, the involvement of immigration authorities and the rapid deportation decisions suggest that this situation may not be solely due to operational downsizing.
Diplomatic Background
This development coincides with reports of rising tensions between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. Regional analysts assess that the UAE is “adopting a tougher stance” toward Pakistan and that additional administrative or economic consequences may emerge in the coming period.
Such rapid and collective deportation decisions are also interpreted as a diplomatic message from Abu Dhabi to its partner in South Asia.
