International Job Market Further Shrinking for Pakistani Workers


By Atif Khan

ISLAMABAD: Cash-strapped Pakistan may see a decrease in much-needed foreign remittances as key destination countries begin favoring other nations.

Gulf countries have been a popular destination for Pakistani migrant workers since 1972. Each year, around 600,000 to 800,000 Pakistanis go abroad. Around 96% of them travel to Gulf countries. Secretary Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis revealed in a Senate Standing Committee on Tuesday that due to work-related issues, crime, and a lack of skills, Gulf countries are now preferring other nations, including Africa. 

He said that Saudi Arabia and Iraq are dissatisfied with Pakistani workers, as some of the Pakistani pilgrimages become beggars. The Saudi government has informed Islamabad that around 90% of those arrested for begging were Pakistanis. "Saudi authorities have requested Pakistan stop sending beggars and sick people, emphasizing the need for trained staff in technology and development" he said. More than 2 million Pakistanis live in Saudi Arabia, while additional 400,000 go there every year. 

Official said involvement in crime is another reason for the changing trend. In the UAE, Pakistanis are involved in 50% of overall crime. Kuwait has complained about Pakistani nurses refusing certain duties and placing the responsibility on ward boys. These nurses also do not learn the local language and seek transfers to Europe after just six months. Qatar has complained about Pakistani laborers refusing to wear safety helmets. Due to these issues, many nations are becoming "suspicious" of Pakistanis and are considering other options. Saudi Arabia has indicated it will only offer jobs to workers who pass the National Centre for Human Resources Development (Takamul) test.

Remittances play a major role in Pakistan's economy. With around $27 billion in annual remittances, Pakistan is among the world's top five recipients of remittances. Pakistan is going through a serious financial crunch and high unemployment. To reduce unemployment and strengthen foreign exchange reserves, the government of Pakistan plans to send more workers abroad. 

Pakistan is seeking a new loan of more than $7 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following the completion of a short-term $3 billion program in April this year.

Atif Khan Journalist Islamabad

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