Pak-Australia Discusses Bilateral Cooperation In Labour Mobility Initiatives

News Desk

Islamabad: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Jawad Sohrab Malik expressed a keen interest in being included in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme which aimed to address labour shortages in rural and regional Australia, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Inclusion in the PALM Scheme will create opportunities for Pakistani workers to contribute to Australia’s labour needs, further strengthening the bonds between the two nations, said Jawad Malik.

In a significant step towards enhancing labour mobility between Pakistan and Australia, SAPM on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Jawad Sohrab held discussions with Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins on Friday.

The meeting was aimed at fostering cooperation and exploring new avenues to enhance labour mobility between the two countries.

The discussion explored the possibility of setting up centres of excellence within the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sectors of both nations.

The centres would prepare Pakistani workers to meet Australian labour market standards, added Sohrab.

The central discussion revolved around the vital need for secure labour mobility channels to reduce irregular migration from Pakistan to Australia.

The SAPM asked for further information on in-demand trades, accreditation and language proficiency requirements for Australian working and skilled visas, aiming to simplify the process for Pakistani job seekers in Australia.

Furthermore, the SAPM highlighted the prospect of establishing a Migration and Mobility Partnership between Pakistan and Australia, fostering comprehensive cooperation in labour mobility.

They discussed the potential for linking job portals between the two countries, making it more convenient for employers and job seekers to connect.