UAE: Pakistani labour lacks relevant skills and professionalism
Pakistanis labour seek short-cuts to earn quick and easy money.
Islamabad – Pakistani workers are facing increasing difficulties in finding employment in the Middle East, with Gulf states showing a growing preference for labor from other countries, primarily Bangladesh. Additionally, concerns over the behavior of some Pakistani nationals, including incidents of harassment, have further impacted the country’s reputation as a reliable labor source.
Declining overseas employment for Pakistanis
The secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development presented a bleak outlook for Pakistani workers overseas. The ministry attributed this decline to several factors, including a lack of skills and the inability to adapt to technological advancements.
He said that 50 percent of the crime rate among the UAE labor force is reportedly attributed to Pakistanis.
A committee member, Senator Nasir Abbas, highlighted the issue of Pakistanis living illegally in Iraq to earn a livelihood and questioned if the ministry can help them as they are often subjected to poor treatment.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada said that several Pakistanis were living illegally in Italy, but they identified themselves as non-Pakistanis while the Pakistan embassy identified them as Pakistani citizens. He suggested that the ministry should play a proactive role get a clear picture and also extend possible help to stranded Pakistanis.
Skill gap and competition
The committee was told that the lack of resources and skill development among Pakistani workers has led to their replacement by skilled laborers from countries like Bangladesh.
Organized begging and illegal residency
One particularly alarming issue highlighted by the committee was the presence of organized begging gangs comprised of Pakistani nationals in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. These individuals often enter the countries on pilgrimage visas but engage in begging activities. Additionally, the committee raised concerns about the large number of Pakistanis living illegally in countries like Italy, who often conceal their nationality.
The Senate committee has called for a proactive approach from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to address these challenges and provide support to stranded Pakistani citizens.