The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis informed the Senate Committee about a surge in complaints regarding Pakistani workers in Gulf countries, revealing that Middle Eastern nations have shifted their focus from Pakistan to Africa, which is a serious concern.
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, received a briefing from officials of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.
Officials reported that the National Immigration and Welfare Policy is now 90% complete and has proposed 120 amendments to ease business-related obstacles.
It was noted that the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has a new board after six years, and the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) is still under federal jurisdiction.
EOBI currently provides pensions amounting to 60 to 65 billion rupees, which is expected to increase to 100 billion rupees in the coming years. EOBI has a record 60 billion rupees in collections this year.
The officials revealed that 96% of overseas Pakistanis go to Gulf countries, with 6 to 8 people leaving the country while 200,000 to 300,000 return.
Issues with Dubai were highlighted, including complaints about exceeding verbal quotas.
Problems were also reported in Malaysia, where workers stayed beyond their one-year contracts and faced imprisonment.
Concerns were raised about anti-immigration sentiments in the Netherlands, France, and the U.S., and the disappearance of people in Iraq, with unknown numbers.
Japan reportedly invited an entire class of electrical engineering students from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
The Ministry officials stated that 600,000 to 800,000 people are sent through official channels, but issues persist with those caught in boats, damaging Pakistan’s reputation.
They also mentioned inappropriate behavior by some Pakistanis in Dubai, including filming videos in front of women and making controversial statements about Gaza.
The UAE has subtly warned that issues will arise if the behavior of sending agencies is not improved.
The European Union has urged improvements in FIA’s system and border control for a reduced quota.
Officials reported that salaries for nurses in the Middle East are higher than for six laborers and mentioned specific complaints from Kuwait and Qatar about Pakistani workers.
The Middle East’s focus has now shifted to Africa, where labor is even cheaper, raising concerns for Pakistan.