Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has highlighted a significant shift in employment trends, stating that opportunities for unskilled Pakistani workers in the UAE are diminishing. The Gulf nation is increasingly seeking high-end professionals across various fields, creating an urgent need for Pakistan to enhance its workforce’s skill set.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Ambassador Tirmizi underscored the evolving job market in the UAE, where demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. “We now need to train accountants, IT professionals, bankers, AI experts, physicians, nurses, and pilots for the UAE job market,” he stated, emphasizing that Pakistan must focus on producing highly skilled workers to remain competitive.
A Shift Towards High-Paying Skilled Jobs
The ambassador pointed out that while unskilled labor has historically contributed to Pakistan’s remittances, transitioning towards skilled jobs would drastically improve earning potential for Pakistani workers in the UAE. “If we train our people in these high-demand sectors, they can step into high-paying roles with salaries ranging from Dh20,000 and above, far higher than what our current unskilled workers have been earning, which starts from Dh1,000 and above,” he explained.
He stressed that by aligning workforce training with global market needs, Pakistan could benefit from better employment opportunities and higher remittance inflows.
Beyond Workforce Export: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Ambassador Tirmizi further elaborated on the broader scope of Pakistan’s partnership with the UAE, which he believes extends beyond simply sending workers abroad. “The partnership is not just about sending our workforce abroad but ensuring that Pakistan’s economic potential is realized on the global stage,” he noted.
He highlighted investment opportunities, job creation, and economic collaboration as key areas of focus, underscoring that this partnership would extend across generations and play a crucial role in Pakistan’s economic growth.
Focus on Skill Development and Education
A significant part of the ambassador’s vision revolves around enhancing skill development in Pakistan, particularly in high-demand sectors such as IT, accounting, healthcare, and aviation. He emphasized the increasing global demand for physiotherapists and nurses, stating that Pakistan needs world-class nursing facilities to produce professionals capable of securing jobs both in the UAE and worldwide.
Tirmizi also revealed that discussions were underway to establish pilot training schools in Pakistan. These institutions would offer affordable training programs for aspiring aviators, enabling more Pakistanis to qualify for lucrative positions in the aviation industry.
Surge in Remittances: A Testament to Pakistani Workers’ Contribution
Pakistan’s overseas workforce continues to be a crucial contributor to the country’s economy, with remittances witnessing a significant surge. According to Ambassador Tirmizi, remittances from the UAE increased by 53% in just six months, reaching $4.5 billion. He expressed confidence that the figure could surpass $9 billion by the end of the fiscal year.
Acknowledging the contributions of Pakistani workers across various sectors, he stated, “The blue-collar workers, the crane operators, the security guards — they all contribute to this incredible achievement.”
Envisioning a Global Future for Pakistan
Looking ahead, Ambassador Tirmizi shared his vision for Pakistan’s role on the global stage. He stressed the need for the country to diversify its economic approach, including boosting tourism, promoting higher education, and strengthening its position in the international economy.
“We need to open up as a tourist destination, promote higher education, and establish Pakistan’s position in the global economy,” he concluded, underlining the importance of long-term planning and investment in human capital.
As Pakistan works towards meeting the evolving needs of the UAE job market, the emphasis on skill development and economic collaboration is set to play a critical role in shaping the country’s future workforce and global presence.
