Recent developments have raised significant concerns regarding Pakistani expatriates in several Gulf countries. During a Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, Secretary Dr. Arshad Mahmood revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, and Kuwait have voiced various issues concerning Pakistani workers. This disclosure highlights ongoing challenges and potential implications for the Pakistani labor force abroad.
Issues of Begging and Misconduct
The ministry had previously reported in September 2023 that beggars constitute a notable portion of Pakistanis traveling abroad, particularly to Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Many of these individuals travel under the guise of pilgrimage and engage in begging activities upon arrival. Dr. Arshad reported that a majority of arrested beggars were of Pakistani origin, raising alarms about the misuse of pilgrimage visas for illegal activities.
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More troubling, however, are recent concerns over inappropriate behavior among Pakistani expatriates, particularly in the UAE. Instances of Pakistanis filming videos in front of women in Dubai have been noted, causing significant distress and contributing to negative perceptions.
Statistics and Employment Trends
Dr. Arshad informed the committee that approximately 0.6 to 0.8 million Pakistanis travel abroad annually, with 200,000 to 300,000 returning to Pakistan. A substantial majority, around 96%, head to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The UAE, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the current quota of Pakistani workers, which has exceeded the agreed 1.6 million, reaching 1.8 million.
Pakistani laborers also face difficulties in other countries such as Malaysia and Iraq, where they often encounter legal and employment issues. In Iraq, Pakistanis are frequently employed as cheap labor and subjected to poor working conditions, leading to numerous complaints and a sense of helplessness among the expatriates.
Comparative Challenges
Senator Nasir Abbas highlighted the competitive disadvantage faced by Pakistani workers compared to their Bangladeshi counterparts, who are securing more jobs in the Gulf. The senator pointed out that Pakistani workers are often treated poorly and held in substandard conditions, especially in Iraq, where they are employed under harsh circumstances and are often treated as prisoners.
Work Ethics and Professionalism
Concerns over work ethics and professionalism among Pakistani workers have also been reported. In Kuwait, Pakistani nurses have reportedly refused to perform certain job duties and have not learned the local language, which has hindered their effectiveness. In Qatar, complaints have been made about Pakistani laborers not adhering to safety regulations, such as wearing safety helmets. Saudi Arabia has implemented stricter requirements, including a test by the National Centre for Human Resources Development (Takamul), to ensure the competency of workers.
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In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis is actively gathering data on job opportunities and emerging professions in various countries. A cabinet committee, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been established to address immigration and labor-related issues. The government aims to improve the perception of Pakistani workers by enhancing their skills and work ethics, ensuring that they are seen as skilled and reliable professionals.