The Gulf Arab state of Qatar is set to open its market for the skilled labour force of Pakistan as the two countries are preparing to ink an agreement soon.
Pakistan’s government has approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Labour, Qatar and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
Market people say Pakistan has already missed an opportunity for manpower export to Qatar when certain overseas employment promoters had a monopoly over sending workers to Doha.
In a recent meeting of the cabinet, the Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Division said that since 1971 more than 0.3 million Pakistani workers had migrated to Qatar, contributing significantly to its socio-economic advancement.
In 1987, an agreement had been signed between the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Qatar’s Ministry of Labour with a focus on providing employment to Pakistani manpower in the Arab nation.
The cabinet was informed that to enhance collaboration in labour mobility, Qatar had proposed a draft MoU, aimed at exchanging expertise in labour relations, labour inspections, occupational safety and health. The cabinet was apprised that the MoU had been shared with stakeholders for their views, input and no-objection certificates (NOCs), and that all stakeholders agreed on the contents of the draft.
Moreover, the Law and Justice Division, while vetting the draft MoU from the legal point of view, suggested some editorial changes, which were also incorporated into the MoU.
During the ensuing discussion, it was observed that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis needed to focus on sending the skilled workforce from Pakistan, including those having the required knowledge and expertise in the fields of high technology, information technology, paramedical, electrical and plumbing services, etc to other countries.
The ministry was directed to engage the community welfare attaches working in Pakistani missions abroad for collecting data on the openings in foreign countries and the skills required.
Moreover, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) was told to facilitate and provide income-generating skills’ training as per the job market requirements in both countries.
Noting that the NAVTTC needed to improve its performance, the cabinet gave the directive to make a presentation on its strategic plan including the clear timelines.
The cabinet observed that measures must also be taken for the establishment of Pakistani companies and their business promotion abroad. Cabinet chairman voiced concern over the recent expulsion of Pakistani nurses by Saudi authorities over allegations of providing inaccurate information and data manipulation. He directed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to present the findings of an inquiry committee constituted for the purpose.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2024.
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