Concerns Raised Over Deplorable State of Pakistani Workforce in Gulf Region
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis has raised concerns about the declining quality of the Pakistani workforce in the Gulf region, leading Gulf employers to increasingly prefer hiring from other countries, such as Bangladesh. The committee, led by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, criticized the government for neglecting the potential of the Pakistani diaspora.
During the meeting, Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, presented a grim assessment of the situation. He revealed that Pakistani workers are reportedly responsible for 50% of the crime rate among the labor force in the UAE. The UAE authorities have also expressed concerns about inappropriate behavior by some Pakistani nationals, including incidents of filming women in Dubai without their consent.
Dr. Mahmood highlighted a troubling trend of declining overseas employment opportunities for Pakistani workers, largely due to a significant portion of the workforce remaining unskilled despite advancements in technology. He emphasized that the lack of resources and skill development has resulted in the replacement of Pakistani workers with those from other countries, such as Bangladesh, which is seen as a model for skilled labor.
The secretary informed the committee that the Pakistani diaspora, comprising 10.7 million individuals, is primarily located in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, the UK, and Canada. He noted that governments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have raised concerns over various issues related to overseas Pakistanis.
The committee also discussed the issue of organized gangs of Pakistani beggars operating in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, who travel under the guise of pilgrims. Reports indicate that 90% of beggars arrested in Saudi Arabia are of Pakistani origin. Senator Nasir Abbas raised concerns about Pakistanis living illegally in Iraq, facing poor treatment, and urged the ministry to assist them. Senator Khanzada added that many Pakistanis living illegally in Italy identify as non-Pakistani, but the Pakistan embassy recognizes them as Pakistani citizens. He called for a more proactive approach from the ministry to address these issues and assist stranded Pakistanis.
