Pakistan has stepped up efforts to expand employment opportunities and student mobility in Saudi Arabia as part of the Saudi-Pakistan Economic Cooperation Framework. The federal government has sought detailed action plans from all relevant stakeholders to strengthen human resource development and improve labor mobility channels.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development is currently finalizing consolidated proposals after consultations with Saudi authorities. Officials said the focus remains on structured labor migration and improved access for Pakistani students seeking education opportunities in Saudi institutions.
Under the initiative, federal secretaries, regulatory bodies, technical education institutions, and professional councils have been directed to submit action plans within their mandates. Authorities aim to align Pakistan’s workforce and academic potential with Saudi Arabia’s evolving economic and development priorities.
Key measures include mutual recognition of qualifications for in-demand professions, reforms in recruitment systems through licensing rules and fee caps, and stricter compliance audits. Officials said violators involved in illegal practices would face blacklisting to protect workers’ rights.
The plan also proposes the creation of joint labor dispute response cells to quickly resolve issues faced by Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia. These mechanisms are intended to ensure better protection, transparency, and coordination between authorities of both countries.
For students, the framework includes streamlined visa processing, dedicated enrollment quotas, and digital single-window platforms connecting Pakistani and Saudi systems. Additional initiatives include language training, bridge programs, student exchanges, apprenticeships, and alumni networks to link graduates with employers across both countries.
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