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Growing worldwide costs for food, energy, and metals have an effect on poverty and consumption in both developed and developing nations. One less talked about result has been the resurgence of jobs in nations with the capacity to extract, refine, and export metals, oil, and gas. This phenomenon, which is most noticeable in Arab economies that export oil, has made it easier for citizens of developing and low-income nations to enter the labor force in the GCC. We are discussing some aspects of overseas employment cooperation Pakistan.
Pakistani Nationals Working Abroad
The number of Pakistani nationals who have registered to work abroad has increased by 59% between 2021 and 2022. In the same year, the number of Pakistani workers traveling to the United Arab Emirates increased by 189%, while Saudi Arabia saw a rise of 77%. Presently, more than 70% of Pakistani laborers provide services in the GCC. This is expected to give Pakistan’s balance of payments, which is still highly dependent on remittances from its workforce overseas, a considerable reprieve. In the current fiscal year 2022–2023, remittances are predicted to reach USD 34 billion. After two years, the State Bank of Pakistan claims that the acceptance of migrant workers abroad is becoming more commonplace. The number of external migrants touched zero between April and August 2020.
Number of Migrants
Even with this positive development, many contend that the recovery in the number of migrants is still precarious. The war in Ukraine, the ongoing supply chain disruptions, the intensified US-China spat, higher interest rates, and higher inflation are all contributing to worries that the world’s top economies are headed for a recession. The demand for energy sources and industrial raw materials could therefore be easily dampened by these fears. A view like this might steer the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) toward conservatism and lower labor force demand projections. There is not much the migrant-sending countries could do in such a situation. However, learning from the past suggests a couple of pivots that could help build financial resilience in individuals who are abroad and at risk of global economic uncertainties.
Low-skilled Individuals
Individuals with a lower skill set are the first to suffer during economic downturns.
A fundamental component of technical and vocational education training (TVET) initiatives started at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has been enabling people to access multiple occupation types in the long run by continuously enhancing and combining a variety of skills. The NAVTTC, led by Javed Hassan, made an effort to review the curriculum and occupational skills standards in a way that would improve the future workforce’s ability to compete.
Worker Outflows
This year’s increasing worker outflows have prevented the nation from growing its share of the departing workforce that is highly skilled. Most nations still rely on us to provide them with basic services. It was the mission of National Skills University in Islamabad to close this gap and assist the labor force in embracing the challenges of job transformation brought on by the fourth industrial revolution. Once more, under the direction of Vice Chancellor Muhammad Mukhtar, graduates of this university are specializing through training in partnership with industry partner institutions as well as in university laboratories. Such programs need to be sustained and supported continuously.
Government Agreements
Through government-to-government agreements, such as those started by the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment, a sizable number of workers are also migrating. The requirements for foreign employers have been more stringent over time. One possible starting point could be a minimal set of technical certifications. But in the end, Pakistani nationals employed overseas must also provide excellent service if they hope to win over employers. Word-of-mouth gets around. This goodwill is crucial for upcoming migrants who want to work overseas. Targeted refresher courses are necessary for this reason to upskill employees who have traveled overseas under this bureau’s arrangements. Now that pre-recording and online resources are available, this task shouldn’t be too tough.
Expenses
Some of these expenses can be shared by the public sector. For instance, a recent review conducted by UKaid’s Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) revealed that employees planning to travel overseas could receive free medical checkups at a fast-track facility. This was a proposal made by the Internal Support Unit of KP’s Finance Department.
Some of these expenses can be shared by the public sector. For instance, a recent review conducted by UKaid’s Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) revealed that employees planning to travel overseas could receive free medical checkups at a fast-track facility. This was a proposal made by the Internal Support Unit of KP’s Finance Department.
Conclusion
Lastly, increased capacity will be needed by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development to guarantee an in-depth analysis of the rapidly shifting global economy and labor market patterns. To facilitate Pakistan’s workforce export of highly skilled and skilled segments, the ministry will need to collaborate with other pertinent institutions. It will also need to make sure that early warning systems are in place if the interests of Pakistani workers abroad are threatened.
