Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Thursday announced that the government plans to provide overseas employment opportunities to 800,000 Pakistanis in 2026. This is up from around 740,000 last year.
Speaking at a meeting with the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), the minister highlighted strong demand for Pakistani workers in Gulf countries and other regions.
Soft-skills training programs with Korea, Japan
He said that Pakistan is introducing soft-skills training programs in collaboration with Korea and Japan to improve the global employability of its workforce.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain also announced that the minimum age for women seeking overseas jobs has been lowered from 35 to 25 years. This will create more opportunities for female workers.
Sharing the statistics regarding it, he noted that Pakistani workers in Korea send home an average of $1,800 per month.
The minister also said that the government is implementing reforms to address challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis. And to promote skills development and create better job opportunities abroad.
Previously, the government of Pakistan made soft skills certification compulsory for people seeking overseas jobs in European and Gulf countries, according to an announcement made by the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment.
Overseas jobs: how to apply for certificate
Interested individuals can use the OIC App PakSoftSkills or the official online portal: https://softskills.oec.gov.pk/
It has been advised that individuals use only the official app or portal for obtaining the certificate.
Additionally, it is not mandatory for those who have already had a protector. But it is only mandatory for new protectors, the Bureau clarified.
Old-Age Benefits Institution
He also directed the Korangi office of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) to coordinate with KATI before issuing recovery notices.
He further stressed that the issues should be resolved through dialogue and facilitation.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain further revealed that EOBI’s fund has grown from Rs500 billion to Rs650 billion in one and a half years due to better governance and transparency.
He added that the institution is focusing on improving investment returns, digitising the processes, and resolving property-related disputes by mediation.
The minister said EOBI’s Complaint Management System is being linked with the Prime Minister’s Portal, Wafaqi Mohtasib, and other departments.
While help desks have been set up in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to assist employers, employees, and pensioners.
He further stated that the key institutions like EOBI are being digitalised to support industrialists and promote a business-friendly environment.
Read more: Soft Skills Certificate now compulsory for overseas job seekers
