Rising demand for skilled Pakistani workers in Gulf countries

ISLAMABAD: For many young Pakistanis, securing a job abroad is a dream come true. This aspiration is driven by limited job opportunities and low wages at home, whereas overseas employment often offers better income and an improved standard of living.

Over the last two and a half years, 2.2 million Pakistanis have secured jobs abroad through official channels, such as the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. This figure excludes those who have migrated through unofficial means.

According to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, 65 per cent of those who move abroad do so with the assistance of overseas employment promoters. The remaining 35 per cent obtain visas independently, securing jobs with foreign companies on their own.

In the first six months of this year alone, around 400,000 Pakistanis left the country for work abroad. Last year, 862,000 Pakistanis found employment overseas, and in 2022, the number was slightly lower at 860,000.

Over 90 per cent of Pakistanis who migrated abroad in the last two and a half years went to Arab countries, with 50 per cent choosing Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia provided jobs to 1.2 million Pakistanis during this period, while the UAE and Oman employed more than 400,000 and 200,000 Pakistanis, respectively.

Why do Pakistanis prefer Gulf countries?

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain —have long been preferred destinations for Pakistani workers. The relationship between Pakistan and these nations is not just economic but also historical, rooted in strong cultural, religious, and political ties. Over the years, millions of Pakistanis have migrated to GCC countries, significantly contributing to the development of these nations while bolstering Pakistan’s economy through remittances.

Historical relationships and migration trends

Relations between Pakistan and GCC countries date back to the early years following Pakistan’s independence. The demand for labour in the Gulf surged in the 1970s due to the oil boom, positioning Pakistan as a major labour exporter. Shared Islamic heritage and robust diplomatic ties further facilitated this migration. Today, approximately 96 per cent of the Pakistani workforce abroad is employed in Gulf countries, making it one of the largest Pakistani expatriate communities in the world.

Recent data reveals that about 4.5 million Pakistanis are employed across various Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE host the largest numbers, with approximately 3 million and 1.5 million Pakistani workers, respectively. These workers are engaged in diverse sectors.

Key sectors employing overseas Pakistanis

Data indicates that a significant portion of Pakistanis seeking employment abroad are unskilled workers and labourers. Of the 862,000 people who went abroad from Pakistan last year, 400,000 were labourers and 200,000 were drivers. The remaining 260,000 included professionals from over 40 different fields, such as engineers, doctors, nurses, chefs, accountants, teachers, and carpenters.

Here are some of the key sectors where Pakistanis find employment:

Construction

This sector is the largest employer of Pakistani workers. There are numerous opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled workers, who are instrumental in building infrastructure to support the rapid urbanization and expansion in Gulf countries.

Healthcare

The demand for Pakistani doctors, nurses, and paramedics in Gulf countries is growing. The demand for healthcare professionals surged following the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, Kuwait, which had imposed a visa ban on Pakistanis for 10 years, lifted the ban and now employs over 4,000 Pakistani healthcare professionals.

IT and telecommunication

The demand for Pakistani IT professionals and engineers is rising, driven by digitization and smart city projects across GCC countries. Additionally, countries like Japan and Germany are increasingly seeking Pakistani IT experts, recognizing their skills in the global market.

Hospitality and services

Pakistani workers play a significant role in the hospitality sector, particularly in the UAE, where tourism is a major industry. Their presence is prominent in various service-oriented roles that cater to the thriving tourism economy.

Demand for skilled workers and Pakistan’s initiatives

The labour market in Gulf countries is gradually shifting its focus from unskilled to skilled workers. Nationalisation policies like Saudization and emiratization emphasise recruiting locals for skilled positions. However, GCC countries continue to rely heavily on foreign workers, especially in sectors where local expertise is limited.

Pakistan is adapting its technical training programmes to meet international standards, with initiatives such as the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) ensuring that Pakistani workers are equipped with globally competitive skills.

The government, through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), is actively working to increase the share of skilled Pakistani manpower in the Gulf. Efforts are focused on identifying high-demand sectors and training and certifying workers to meet the needs of GCC employers.

Visa procedures and challenges

Visa procedures for Pakistani migrant workers vary by a host country but generally involve several key steps:

Job Offer

The first step is securing a job offer. Employers typically provide an offer letter detailing job specifics, salary, and other terms.

Visa application

With the help of their employer, workers submit a visa application to the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. This application usually includes the offer letter, passport, medical examination reports, and proof of qualifications.

Work permit

Once the visa is approved, a work permit is issued, allowing the worker to legally work in the host country. In some cases, the work permit is issued upon arrival in the host country.

Protector and pre-departure briefing

Before departure, Pakistani workers must apply for a protector stamp on their passports, which can be done at centres across various cities or online. The Pakistani government also mandates a pre-departure training session for migrant workers, providing them with advice on their rights, the legal framework of the host country, and how to adapt to their new environment.