First batch of 600 Pakistanis leaves for international jobs

In a groundbreaking development for employment mobility, 600 Pakistani professionals have embarked on international careers following the successful negotiation of strategic employment agreements with global partners.

This significant departure represents a crucial milestone in the initiative led by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing global employment opportunities for its workforce, according to a ministry statement.

The initiative, spearheaded by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Jawad Sohrab Malik, has come to fruition just 90 days after the signing of agreements. The effort has unlocked numerous job avenues across diverse sectors for Pakistani professionals, showcasing the country’s proactive engagement on the international stage, as mentioned in the statement.

Professionals from major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar expressed gratitude for the seamless process facilitated by the government as they departed. The event, witnessed by families and ministry officials, with Malik personally seeing off Islamabad’s contingent, underscores the government’s dedication to supporting its citizens’ aspirations.

The statement emphasizes that the initial batch of 600 professionals is just the beginning, with expectations of a substantial increase as global employers continue to conduct interviews and select candidates regularly. The success of this initiative is not only measured by the number of job placements but also by the remarkably swift timeline of execution, from signing agreements to deploying the workforce abroad, all within a 90-day window.

It’s worth noting that candidates selected through the Government’s Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are part of this initiative, and private Overseas Employment promoters have also made significant strides due to their agreements.

With 50 international agreements resulting in over 10,000 interviews, this initiative has culminated in the selection of 600 candidates ready to showcase Pakistan’s skilled workforce globally. The caretaker PM’s aide emphasized the critical role of continuous engagement with nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and European countries, alongside participation in global expos and meetups, in securing these opportunities.

The synergy between the public and private sectors has been crucial, with the government issuing licenses to private Overseas Employment Promoters, expanding the scope for Pakistanis to access international job markets. A notable milestone in these endeavors was Pakistan’s first-ever participation in an international HR expo in Riyadh, led by the SAPM, resulting in the signing of numerous deals and expanding global job opportunities for Pakistanis.

Looking ahead, Malik shared a promising outlook, indicating thousands of forthcoming job opportunities with 46 additional employers in fields such as healthcare, engineering, information and communications technology (ICT), hospitality, finance, and construction. The ministry is on the cusp of finalizing further agreements, aiming to double the current number to 100 within weeks, thereby broadening the spectrum of opportunities for the Pakistani workforce across all skill levels.

Malik reiterated the profound impact of overseas employment on improving living standards for Pakistani families and contributing to national economic stability through remittances. In conclusion, the efforts led by the SAPM and the ministry have set a new benchmark for the rapid and successful implementation of international employment initiatives. This milestone heralds a promising future for Pakistani professionals seeking opportunities abroad, reinforcing the nation’s position on the global employment stage.