The Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development urgently briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development about the alarming decrease in the overseas employment of Pakistani labour. This decline, attributed to the modernization and advanced technology in destination countries, is a pressing issue as a significant portion of the Pakistani labour force remains unskilled.
The secretary also highlighted the lack of resources and skill development within the domestic labour force, resulting in other countries’ workers replacing Pakistani workers. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding criminal activities among Pakistani workers abroad, with 50% of crimes in the UAE linked to Pakistanis.
During the meeting, it was mentioned that an agreement has been reached with Saudi Arabia regarding workers, with Saudi Arabia demanding skilled workers and not individuals who are beggars, sick, or lack necessary skills.
The European Union has requested improvements in border control and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) system in exchange for a small employment quota. There are also concerns about Middle Eastern countries turning their attention towards Africa instead of Pakistan.
The Chairman of the committee underscored the untapped potential in the overseas Pakistani and human resource development sector, which, if properly harnessed, could bring about significant positive changes. This potential, he emphasized, has been overlooked by the government, but with the right strategies and policies, could be a game-changer.
The secretary outlined the ministry’s challenges, including difficulties in obtaining accurate job hunting data, lack of support from relevant departments after job opportunities are secured, insufficient focus on remittance areas, and the crucial need to revamp the immigration system for the labor force. A two-year transformation plan was presented to enhance diaspora engagement and support national development.
The committee members also addressed specific concerns, such as legalizing the status of Pakistani diaspora members living illegally in various countries. Additionally, they discussed the importance of obtaining detailed information on the sanctioned posts, OEPs in Sindh, and most importantly, overseeing the effectiveness of the implementation process. Their role in this oversight is crucial and integral to the success of the initiatives.
