Significant Increase in Overseas Employment Opportunities Due to Initiatives of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain’s Remarks in a TV Talk Show
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, has stated that as a result of the ministry’s effective policies and international engagement, there has been a significant increase in overseas employment opportunities for Pakistanis. He said that the Government of Pakistan is taking comprehensive measures to create legal, safe, and dignified employment opportunities for overseas Pakistanis.
While speaking to Muzammil Suharwardi on a TV talk show, Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that new opportunities are being created for Pakistani manpower through Community Welfare Attachés and international cooperation at the ministry level. He added that more than 760,000 Pakistanis went abroad last year, including a notable increase in the number of women, which is clear evidence of the success of government policies.
The Federal Minister said that for the first time in Pakistan’s history, Italy has allocated a quota of 10,500 workers for Pakistan, while a similar agreement has also been finalized with Belarus. In addition, negotiations are ongoing with other European and Middle Eastern countries.
He further stated that 70 Pakistanis have been provided employment in South Korea, including two women, and that the Korean government is increasing cooperation as this program is being successfully implemented under the supervision of the relevant Korean ministry.
The Federal Minister said that Kuwait has reopened visas for Pakistan after 15 years, under which 1,200 nurses have already gone to Kuwait, calling it a major breakthrough.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasized that for improving Pakistan’s soft image, it is essential to curb illegal methods and promote overseas employment only through legal channels.
He said that there is currently high demand for technically skilled workers in the global market, and efforts are also underway to create opportunities for Pakistanis at the middle management level.
The Federal Minister stated that the age limit for housemaids has been reduced from 35 years to 25 years so that more women can legally go abroad as domestic workers. He added that only trained individuals will be sent abroad to ensure that Pakistan’s dignity and reputation are maintained.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that the system for sending remittances to Pakistan has been further simplified and that overseas Pakistanis are being given various incentives, which has resulted in a historic increase in foreign exchange inflows. This, he said, is proof that overseas Pakistanis are placing their trust in the government.
He further said that the Community Welfare Attaché system is being made more effective. Under new SOPs, monthly reports, visits, and monitoring of issues are being carried out to ensure timely assistance to Pakistanis who are in jail or facing minor legal issues abroad. Although staff is limited in some countries, maximum facilitation is being provided with available resources.
The Federal Minister said that special courts have been established to resolve property-related issues of overseas Pakistanis.
He added that overseas Pakistanis can now appear in their cases through online hearings, and a 90-day timeframe has been set for case decisions. This system has already been implemented in Islamabad and is being rapidly implemented in Punjab, while it will soon be introduced in other provinces as well.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan is moving on the path of development. He said that continuous constructive meetings are being held with overseas Pakistanis to resolve their issues.
In conclusion, the Federal Minister said that all overseas Pakistanis are equally important to them, and they are serving them beyond political considerations. He emphasized that preparing Pakistani youth in line with global needs is the need of the hour.
