IN what could be called a significant and welcome step, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sajid Hussain Turi said that steps were afoot to send Pakistani workers and professionals abroad free of charge and remove hurdles in the way of those seeking better professional opportunities in foreign countries.
At present, Pakistanis trying to bid adieu to the country for greener pastures are required to pay fees ranging from Rs, 50,000 to 100,000.
However, latest decision by the government is pro- people which will enable export of more manpower and help mitigate unemployment. This in return will also bring more foreign exchange through remittances.
At the same time, there is also dire need to improve efficiency of Protector Office through digitalisation in order to make this whole process more transparent, easier and faster for people seeking jobs abroad.
In addition, there is also need to establish more protector offices in important cities to save the people especially in far flung areas from travelling long distances.
In recent years, a surge has been seen in manpower export. According to Bureau of Emigration Overseas Employment (BEOE), an increase of 27.
6 per cent was noted in the number of Pakistanis seeking jobs abroad in the year 2021 compared to previous year.
Gulf countries are the main destinations for our unskilled workers. We therefore will suggest the government to not only explore new destinations for Pakistani workers especially in Europe and East Asia but also focus on exporting more skilled force as this will give a leapfrog jump to our remittances as being witnessed in neighbouring India.
Our technical institutes should also be equipped with necessary equipment so that they could impart market oriented skills as per latest trends.
Our attaches and missions in different countries should also play an active role in identifying job opportunities in their host countries.
Overseas Pakistanis are our precious asset and provide necessary support to the country through their remittances. Hence no effort should be spared to extend maximum facilitation to them.
