The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has recently put forward a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the participation of Pakistani workers in projects abroad, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
One of the key proposals involves advocating for a special quota exclusively dedicated to skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani workers for upcoming ventures such as NEOM, a major futuristic project in Saudi Arabia.
There is a significant proposal on the table for Saudi Arabia to establish a state-of-the-art Skill University within Pakistan’s borders. This move signifies a deeper collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, indicating a shared commitment to economic transformation and human resource development.
The primary objective of the high-level delegation visit, which encompasses these proposals, is to synchronize Pakistan’s workforce with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic transformation program outlined in Vision 2030. By doing so, both countries aim to forge a robust partnership that will not only benefit their respective economies but also contribute to mutual prosperity and growth.
It’s worth noting that Saudi Arabia holds a prominent position in terms of hosting Pakistani expatriates, with over two million individuals currently residing in the country.
These expatriates play a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy, as Saudi Arabia serves as the largest source of remittances to Pakistan. In 2021 alone, remittances from Saudi Arabia amounted to a significant contribution of $3 billion to Pakistan’s central bank reserves, highlighting the economic significance of the bilateral relationship.
To facilitate the entry of new Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) into the Saudi sector, the Ministry has proposed collaborative efforts between the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad, the Consulate General in Karachi, and relevant Pakistani authorities.
This collaborative approach aims to streamline the recruitment process and ensure compliance with regulations, thereby creating more opportunities for Pakistani workers to engage in the Saudi labor market.
These initiatives underscore the importance of fostering closer ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, not only in the realm of economic cooperation but also in the context of human resource development and mutual benefit. By leveraging each other’s strengths and resources, both countries stand to achieve greater socio-economic progress and prosperity in the years to come.
