The Punjab government has officially launched the Parwaaz Card programme to provide interest-free financial assistance to Pakistanis who have secured employment abroad but face difficulties covering visa, medical, travel and other related expenses.
The initiative has been introduced in collaboration with the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) to help skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, as well as professionals, meet the costs associated with travelling abroad for employment.
Under the programme, eligible applicants with a verified overseas job offer can access interest-free financing, which can be repaid through easy instalments.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid national identity card and be residents of Punjab. A verified job offer from abroad is also a mandatory requirement for financing.
The Parwaaz Card can provide financial support for eligible expenses, including visa processing, medical examinations, skills verification, air tickets, overseas employment promoter fees and other costs directly related to securing employment abroad.
Authorities said the application, processing and tracking systems have been digitised to make the programme easier, more transparent and efficient. Applications with complete documentation and the required verification are expected to be processed within approximately 7 to 10 working days.
People who have not yet secured an overseas job can also explore verified employment opportunities through registered Overseas Employment Promoters. Once they receive a confirmed job offer, they can apply for interest-free financing subject to the programme’s eligibility criteria.
Under the PSDF initiative, Overseas Employment Promoters can also register with the programme and facilitate legal and transparent employment opportunities for Pakistani workers seeking jobs abroad.
The government says the programme is aimed at reducing the financial barriers faced by Pakistanis seeking overseas employment and making the process of securing jobs abroad more accessible.
