Top envoy reveals the future of Pakistani workers in UAE
Ambassador Tirmizi says days of unskilled workers getting jobs are almost over
DUBAI: The era of unskilled Pakistani workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is drawing to a close, with the country now focusing on attracting a more skilled workforce, according to Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Gulf News in Dubai, Tirmizi explained how the UAE’s job market is rapidly evolving to cater to high-end professionals rather than the traditional low-wage migrant workers.
“We now need to train our people in fields such as accounting, IT, banking, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and aviation,” Tirmizi stated, emphasising the growing demand for skilled professionals in the UAE. The Ambassador highlighted the immense opportunities for Pakistan’s workforce, should the country focus on upgrading the skills of its workers.
With the UAE continuing to thrive as a global economic hub, the need for high-calibre professionals across various sectors is paramount. “By training Pakistanis in these high-demand areas, they can secure well-paid roles with salaries starting from Dh20,000 and above, significantly higher than the Dh1,000 or more received by many unskilled workers,” Tirmizi added.
UAE-Pakistan economic partnership
The UAE has long been a key trading partner for Pakistan in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Tirmizi stressed the importance of fostering stronger ties between the two nations, not only in terms of sending workers abroad but also focusing on attracting investment from the UAE to stimulate Pakistan’s economy.
“We are talking about a long-term partnership that goes beyond labour exports to include economic collaboration that brings mutual benefit,” he explained. He added that Pakistan’s economic potential could be fully realised on the global stage through strategic cooperation with the UAE.
Skills development
A major area of focus for the Ambassador is skills development. “Today’s world is driven by IT, accounting, and healthcare,” Tirmizi explained, pointing out the need for Pakistan to invest in the training and education of its younger generations to meet the global demands in these sectors. He also noted the surge in international demand for physiotherapists and nurses, which presents significant opportunities for Pakistani professionals, both in the UAE and abroad.
Pakistan’s aviation sector is another area in which Tirmizi believes the country has a competitive edge. Ongoing discussions with international aviation colleges aim to establish pilot training schools in Pakistan, offering aspirants the opportunity to gain qualifications at a fraction of the cost of studying abroad.
Rising remittances
Remittances from the UAE to Pakistan have seen a dramatic rise, up by 53 percent over the last six months, reaching an impressive $4.5 billion. Tirmizi is optimistic that Pakistan will exceed the $9 billion mark in remittances by the end of the fiscal year in June.
“The increase in remittances is a reflection of the hard work of Pakistanis across all sectors in the UAE – from blue-collar workers to professionals,” he stated proudly. For Pakistan, these remittances have become one of the primary sources of foreign exchange, surpassing exports in value.
Vision for the future
Looking ahead, Tirmizi shared his vision for a prosperous Pakistan that is not only self-sufficient but also a key player in the global economy. He called for a stronger push to open Pakistan as a tourist destination, promote higher education, and establish the country’s position on the global stage. “The UAE is a crucial partner in realising this vision, given its strategic location and economic might,” he concluded.
The UAE stood out as the second-most popular destination within the Gulf, with 64,130 Pakistanis securing work visas in 2024.