Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced on Thursday that the government plans to facilitate overseas employment for 800,000 Pakistanis in 2026, an increase from approximately 740,000 workers who secured jobs abroad last year. He shared this goal while speaking at a meeting with members of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), where he highlighted the expanding international demand for Pakistani workers, particularly in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and other regions.
The minister said the government is placing strong emphasis on skills development to improve global employability. In this regard, Pakistan is introducing soft-skills training programs in partnership with Korea and Japan to better prepare workers for international labor markets. These initiatives aim to equip Pakistan’s workforce with competencies that meet global standards and employer expectations.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain also announced a significant policy change for women seeking overseas employment, stating that the minimum age requirement has been reduced from 35 to 25 years. He noted that this step will expand opportunities for female workers and support greater participation of women in overseas employment.
Sharing key figures, the minister said a Pakistani worker employed in Korea currently sends home an average monthly remittance of $1,800, underscoring the economic value of skilled overseas jobs. He added that the government is implementing wide-ranging reforms to address challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis, strengthen skills training, and improve access to foreign job markets.
During the meeting, the minister instructed the Korangi office of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) to consult with KATI before issuing recovery notices, stressing the importance of resolving matters through coordination and facilitation. He revealed that EOBI’s fund size has grown from Rs500 billion to Rs650 billion over the past 18 months due to better governance and transparency.
He further said EOBI is focusing on improved investment returns, digital transformation, and resolving property-related disputes through mediation. The institution’s Complaint Management System is also being integrated with the Prime Minister’s Portal, Wafaqi Mohtasib, and other departments, while help desks have been set up in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The minister reiterated that digitization of key institutions is underway to support industrialists and foster a more business-friendly environment.
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