The Pakistani government is stepping up efforts to prepare its workforce for overseas employment by focusing on soft skills training. With millions of Pakistanis working abroad—particularly in the Gulf region—equipping nationals with professional and cultural skills is seen as key to enhancing employability. During his visit to the UAE, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, emphasized that structured pre-departure training will better prepare workers for foreign job markets.
Hussain highlighted that establishing reputable training institutions is a priority for the government. These centers aim to provide Pakistani workers with essential soft skills, ranging from communication and workplace etiquette to problem-solving and teamwork. Such training is expected to make employees more adaptable, competitive, and productive in overseas workplaces. The initiative is particularly relevant for Pakistanis traveling to the UAE and other Gulf countries, where high standards and professional conduct are often prerequisites for employment.
Pre-departure training is becoming a critical part of Pakistan’s strategy for overseas employment. The government plans to ensure that workers are not only technically skilled but also prepared to navigate different work cultures. Hussain explained that these sessions will cover practical information, workplace expectations, and cultural orientation. By preparing workers in advance, Pakistan aims to minimize adjustment challenges and enhance the overall success and satisfaction of its overseas workforce.
Overseas Pakistanis play a significant role in the country’s economy through remittances, contributing to national development. There are approximately 10 million Pakistanis living abroad, with more than half in Gulf countries. The UAE alone hosts over 1.7 million Pakistani residents, making it a key destination for migrant workers. The government’s soft skills initiative is expected to strengthen this workforce, ensuring Pakistanis abroad remain competitive and respected in international markets.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain revealed that Pakistan plans to facilitate employment for 800,000 nationals overseas this year—a 60,000 increase from 2025. Last year, around 740,000 Pakistanis traveled abroad for work. By expanding the number of trained and prepared candidates, the government seeks to enhance both the quantity and quality of overseas employment opportunities, meeting growing demand from Gulf and other international employers.
In January 2026, Pakistan and the UAE agreed to introduce a “pre-immigration clearance” system for Pakistani workers. The initiative will first launch on a pilot basis in Karachi and aims to simplify documentation, reduce delays, and streamline the travel process. Hussain noted that this system represents a major step forward in facilitating smoother migration and improving workers’ experiences abroad.
During his UAE visit, the minister also met Rabab Abdullah Al-Osaimi, Director-General of Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), to discuss cooperation in the labour sector. Pakistan expressed readiness to sign a Labour Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuwait, potentially during the Crown Prince’s upcoming visit. Both countries agreed to institutionalize regular consultations and share access to PAM portals to simplify recruitment and employment processes for Pakistani nationals.
With training programs, pre-departure initiatives, and strengthened international partnerships, Pakistan is actively enhancing the employability and experience of its overseas workforce. By focusing on soft skills, cultural orientation, and professional readiness, the government aims to ensure its nationals thrive abroad while contributing to national economic growth. These efforts underscore Pakistan’s commitment to preparing a skilled, adaptable, and globally competitive workforce in 2026 and beyond.
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