LAHORE – Finding the right job abroad, arranging funds and planning a journey can be exciting, but managing the costs is often the biggest challenge. Punjab government introduced Parwaaz Card to ease this financial burden, offering eligible overseas job seekers interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million for travel expenses.
The new initiative offers eligible overseas job seekers interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million to cover key expenses such as visas, medical tests and air tickets.
Here’s the Pakistan Observer Guide to Apply Online
Parwaz Card scheme offers eligible candidates interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million to cover essential pre-departure expenses.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants can get an interest-free loan ranging from Rs300,000 to Rs1 million. The funds can be used for a range of approved expenses, including visa fees, medical costs, Protectorate fees, air tickets, skill verification and charges payable to licensed Overseas Employment Promoters.
The initiative is particularly significant for job seekers who have secured verified employment opportunities overseas but struggle to arrange the money needed for visa processing, medical examinations, air tickets and other mandatory expenses before leaving Pakistan.
As per information from Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF), the programme has been designed to help young people access overseas employment through safe, legal and regulated channels, while reducing the financial barriers that often prevent skilled workers from pursuing jobs abroad.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for Parwaz Card, an applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, at least 18 years old and hold a valid CNIC. A verified job offer letter from a foreign employer is also mandatory.
Salary Rules
The salary attached to overseas job should be less than 5,000 Saudi Riyals or its equivalent in another currency. This requirement is among the key conditions applicants need to meet before seeking financial assistance under the scheme.
Where to Apply?
The application process has also been made online. Eligible candidates who already possess an overseas job offer can apply through the Parwaz Card online portal or proceed through a registered Overseas Employment Promoter. Applicants are required to submit supporting documents, including their job offer letter, medical certificate and relevant skill-verification documents.
Once application is submitted, PSDF reviews candidate’s information and informs the applicant about the next stage. Following approval, the loan processing is completed through a bank.
Under prescribed procedure, part of the approved amount becomes available after the required stages have been completed, while the remaining funds are used for approved expenses such as visas, air tickets and other eligible costs.
The scheme is being implemented through collaboration between PSDF and the Bank of Punjab, with an ambitious target of connecting 450,000 skilled young people with overseas employment opportunities. The programme also aims to provide loans to 45,000 individuals over two years.
Punjab government expects the initiative to help young workers secure foreign employment without resorting to unsafe or illegal channels. Officials also believe that increased overseas employment could contribute to higher remittances and improve the financial conditions of families in Punjab.
Authorities urged applicants to remain cautious throughout the process. Candidates have been advised to use only the official Parwaz Card portal and registered Overseas Employment Promoters and avoid handing over money or personal documents to unverified individuals or agents.
Relief for Job Seekers as Punjab’s Parwaaz Card offers Interest-Free Loans; Apply Now
