Islamabad
In a bid to safeguard migrant workers from exploitation, the Pakistani government has unveiled a compulsory digital registration system for citizens pursuing employment abroad, effective November 19. The policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, ties all foreign work permits to a centralized online platform, ensuring no approvals are granted without prior enrolment.
Under the rule, applicants must submit personal identification, travel itineraries, educational credentials, and prospective job details before departing. This primarily impacts remittances-dependent workers heading to Gulf nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, where thousands seek better prospects annually.
Officials emphasise the measure’s role in curbing illegal migration, bogus job schemes, and human trafficking. “By pre-verifying information, we foster transparency and protection, not barriers,” a ministry spokesperson stated. The initiative is projected to affect over a million Pakistanis yearly, many young family providers.
While lauded for enhancing traceability, critics worry about digital access hurdles in rural areas. Authorities advise early registration via the portal to sidestep visa delays, underscoring a commitment to ethical labor migration amid economic pressures.
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