ABU DHABI — Etihad Airways has suddenly fired 15 Pakistani workers from its Abu Dhabi. The workers were called to the immigration office, told they had lost their jobs and ordered to leave the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within just 48 hours.
Who Are the Fired Workers?
As of May 1, 2026, neither Etihad Airways nor the UAE government has released a full, official list of all 15 names. News reports say the firings were handled directly by immigration authorities, rather than the company’s regular Human Resources (HR) department. This unusual process has kept official records out of the public eye.
However, four names are appearing in recent reports and social media discussions regarding the incident.
- Wasim Ahmad
- Afzaal Afzal
- Waqas Nawaz
- Bonnie Kauffman Melloul
For the affected workers, the quick dismissal is a major shock. One employee had reportedly worked for the airline for 18 years. A strict 48-hour notice gives them almost no time to close bank accounts, sell their personal belongings or manage their other daily life matters.
Why Is This Happening?
Right now, Etihad Airways has not released a public statement explaining the job cuts. However, experts point to two main possibilities:
- Political Tensions
Many sources believe the firings are a strong political message. The relationship between Pakistan and the UAE has been strained recently. Pakistan owes billions of dollars in debt to the UAE, and the UAE has started withdrawing some of its business investments from Pakistan. Sources say the UAE leadership is frustrated with Pakistan’s recent political choices and is using these sudden deportations to show its anger. - Business Changes
Some aviation experts think the firings are strictly about business, not politics. The ongoing war in West Asia has hurt the travel and tourism industry. Because of this, Etihad Airways might simply be reorganizing its business to cut costs.
What Happens Next?
For the Pakistani expatriate community living in the UAE, this news brings a lot of fear. News reporters and inside sources suggest that these 15 workers might just be the beginning. There are deep worries that more firings will happen soon, and that even senior Pakistani managers could lose their jobs and face similar deportation orders in the coming days.
Image Source: Image generated with AI, showing pakistani workers in front of Etihad airways hanger, moving away with their bags
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