Manpower Export: Grabbing Slots in Global Job Markets
Abbas Chohan
Islamabad: Every year, Pakistan sends approximately one million skilled workers abroad, making manpower export a vital sector in alleviating unemployment and strengthening the country’s foreign exchange reserves through remittances.
With increasing global demand for skilled labor, Pakistan’s policies and initiatives continue to evolve, aiming to prepare its workforce for competitive international job markets.
At the forefront of these efforts is the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD), which has introduced various training and skill development programs to equip young Pakistanis with expertise suited to international employment opportunities.
Key Institutions Facilitating Overseas Employment
Two crucial entities under OP&HRD—the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) and the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE)—play a central role in managing manpower export. These organizations ensure a smooth and well-regulated migration process for Pakistani workers.
The International Labor and Environmental Standards (ILES) project, a collaboration between Pakistan, the European Union, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), has significantly contributed to aligning Pakistan’s labor practices with global benchmarks.
“The ILES program has been a game changer,” remarked Minister of OP&HRD Chaudhry Salik Hussain. “It has not only enhanced Pakistani labor’s capacity to meet international obligations but also directly benefited hundreds of enterprises, institutions, and organizations across Pakistan.”
He emphasized that sustainable labor practices, including adherence to labor rights and environmental standards, are essential for ethical employment and long-term economic growth.
The Impact of BE&OE and OEC
The BE&OE has maintained a comprehensive database of emigrants, documenting more than 10 million Pakistani workers who have sought employment abroad. Its efforts have been crucial in ensuring that Pakistani manpower remains competitive, particularly in the Middle East.
Official records show that in 2015, 946,571 Pakistanis emigrated for employment, with 727,381 workers going abroad by December 2024. Similarly, the OEC, a public sector recruitment agency under OP&HRD, has been instrumental in managing the overseas employment process for Pakistani workers.
Commitment to Global Labor Standards
Pakistan is also working under the GSP+ framework to promote fair labor practices and sustainable development. “The federal government aims to strengthen support for provincial labor departments to ensure workers’ rights and wellbeing,” stated the Minister for OP&HRD.
Key initiatives include the ratification and implementation of international labor conventions, particularly those focusing on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and the Convention on Violence and Harassment at Work (C190).
The collaboration between Pakistan and international partners, such as Japan and the European Union, has created additional employment avenues for Pakistani workers abroad.
Brain Drain: A Challenge for Pakistan
While remittances from overseas workers significantly support Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, the migration of skilled professionals also presents a challenge of brain drain.
“Overseas Pakistanis are an asset in terms of remittances.
However, in pursuing foreign employment, we lose many of our brilliant minds,” stated Rai Yaseen, a renowned lawyer. “We need to strike a balance between sending workers abroad and retaining skilled professionals to sustain our domestic workforce.”
To mitigate this, he suggested rejuvenating various economic sectors, particularly in the private sector, to create attractive job opportunities for educated and skilled youth within Pakistan.
Combating Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking
Addressing legal concerns, experts stress the importance of curbing human trafficking and promoting legal migration pathways. “Instead of allowing people to resort to illegal means to go abroad, we must strengthen our institutions under OP&HRD to secure more legal employment slots in international markets,” Yaseen added.
Public awareness campaigns against illegal migration are essential to prevent the tragic loss of lives, as seen in recent incidents involving illegal overseas travel.
Pakistan’s Manpower Export
As Pakistan continues refining its manpower export strategies, the government must ensure that its workforce remains competitive in the global labor market.
With initiatives like the ILES project and sustained collaboration with international organizations, the future of Pakistan’s manpower export sector looks promising. These efforts have the potential to drive economic growth, alleviate poverty, and contribute to both national prosperity and the well-being of Pakistani workers abroad.
