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The federal government plans to facilitate overseas employment for 800,000 Pakistanis in 2026, marking an increase from last year, as it steps up efforts to expand skilled labor exports and boost remittance inflows, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain said during his official visit to the UAE.
Speaking during meetings in Dubai, the minister said Pakistan is prioritizing the establishment of reputable training institutions to provide workers with soft skills, technical training, and pre-departure orientation. He noted that these measures will improve the employability of Pakistani workers in the UAE and other international markets.
“Equipping workers with the right skills is essential to enhancing their acceptance and performance abroad,” Salik Hussain said.
The minister highlighted the crucial role of overseas Pakistanis in supporting the economy through remittances. Currently, around 10 million Pakistanis live abroad, including more than 1.7 million in the UAE, making it one of the largest destinations for Pakistani workers.
During his visit, Salik Hussain toured the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai, reviewing services related to passports, national identity cards, and community welfare. He discussed expatriate concerns with Consul General Hussain Muhammad and stressed the need for smooth and efficient facilitation for Pakistanis living overseas.
The government aims to arrange overseas employment for 800,000 Pakistanis in 2026, compared to 740,000 in 2025. Earlier this year, Pakistan and the UAE agreed to launch a pre-immigration clearance system, with Karachi selected as the pilot city.
In addition, the minister met Rabab Abdullah Al-Osaimi, Director-General of Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), to strengthen labor cooperation. Pakistan expressed readiness to sign a Labour MoU with Kuwait and requested access to PAM’s recruitment portal to streamline hiring.
With rising domestic unemployment and increasing demand for skilled labor in Gulf countries, Pakistan has been expanding labor diplomacy to secure safer, better-paid jobs for its workforce while ensuring long-term growth in remittance inflows.
