A package of incentives has been announced for Pakistanis living in UAE for sending some remittances through legal channels.

The Package was unveiled by Pakistan's Ambassador to UAE Major General (r) Salim Ullah, during the Independence Day function held there.

The package from the embassy is in addition to the incentives already announced by the Government of Pakistan. The incentives package will be effective for financial year July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002, for the Pakistani community residing in the UAE.

Major General (r) Salim Ullah said that the Government of Pakistan has already announced important incentives for the expatriate Pakistanis remitting $10,000 and $2500 annually.

"The embassy however, wishes to add incentives for the very large number of Pakistanis in the UAE, who remit smaller amounts annually to Pakistan. Their contributions could sizably enhance the volume of remittances through legal channels.

The details of the package, along with the procedure for submitting claims, were displayed in the Consular Halls at Abu Dhabi and Dubai as well as Pakistan centers, schools, banks and National Airline offices throughout the Emirates.

The package targets three annual remittance categories, viz, US $1000 to US $1500, $1501 to $2000 and above $2000.

The salient features include 40 Umra tickets, 30 home journey tickets, additional baggage allowance for 22 lucky remitters, school fee concession and text books contribution for children of 40 lucky remitters in Pakistani schools in UAE, special services at the embassy, consulate general, complementary hotel stay, free remittance by Pakistani Banks and exchanges in UAE, free issuance of passports to 30 lucky remitters and a large number of special gifts. Above all, five highest remitters would be awarded the title of 'Fakhr-e-Watan'.

The ambassador said, "During the Financial year 2000-2001 remittances by the Pakistanis from the UAE through legal channels amounted to US $190 million, showing a 22% increase from the previous year. He said there was a lot of scope to increase this figure substantially.

The Ambassador said that the Pakistan Embassy wants to mobilize the Pakistanis in the UAE to increase their remittances manifold so as to boost the country's economy.

He called upon his compatriots to respond to the government's efforts to revive the national economy and rid the country of external debt trap.

"I have no doubt, whatsoever, that my Pakistani brethren living in the UAE will rise to the occasion and make this package a success." He remarked that the incentives are meant to honor the Pakistanis and acknowledge their contributions to the homeland.