Efforts by Syed Mustafa Rabbani, Ms. Azka, Zainab Asad Munir, and Akif Iqbal for the Employment of Pakistani Workforce
It is widely acknowledged on every forum that the Pakistani workforce, a large portion of which is employed in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, contributes significantly to Pakistan’s economy. This contribution is driven by their love for their homeland. Unfortunately, neither the current government nor previous administrations have adequately recognized or appreciated their services.
One example is the treatment of overseas Pakistanis’ children in Pakistan’s educational institutions. When the child of an overseas Pakistani seeks admission to a higher educational institution, they are often categorized as a foreign student. Educational institutions then impose excessive fees, seemingly assuming that overseas Pakistanis earn their income effortlessly. Policymakers in Pakistan often overlook the reality that these individuals earn their livelihoods through hard work and sacrifice, not from money growing on trees.
Currently, approximately 2.5 million Pakistanis are employed in Saudi Arabia. Estimates suggest that, on average, each Pakistani worker contributes around USD 3,700 annually in remittances or earnings. Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest sources of foreign exchange remittances to Pakistan. However, it appears that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, despite consuming substantial public resources, has failed to adequately plan for the future. Many assume that the steadily increasing flow of remittances will continue indefinitely.
The recent tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel have created uncertainty across the region. While the impact may be less pronounced elsewhere, Gulf countries have felt its effects more strongly. Traditional economic hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are no longer as financially robust as before in terms of workforce absorption and project development. Inflation has also reached high levels in these countries, affecting expatriate workers. Consequently, overseas Pakistanis may find it increasingly difficult to remit the same amounts to Pakistan in the coming years. Growth in labor demand may take time to recover.
At present, Saudi Arabia remains the most financially stable destination in the region, with ongoing and upcoming projects continuing to create employment opportunities. Under these circumstances, Pakistani officials serving in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries—including embassy and consulate personnel—must intensify their efforts to secure employment opportunities for Pakistanis wherever possible.
Unfortunately, much of Pakistan’s focus remains on sending unskilled labor and construction workers abroad. Moreover, certain recruitment agencies charge substantial fees and lure workers with false promises. Individuals recruited under engineering visas often find themselves performing jobs entirely unrelated to their qualifications, such as manual labor. This issue can only be addressed if Pakistani missions abroad thoroughly verify the credentials and financial standing of foreign employers before approving recruitment requests.
It must also be emphasized that there is no such thing as a “free visa.” Successful workforce deployment requires strategic marketing and proper matching of skills with employer requirements. Pakistan should only send workers whose qualifications and expertise align with actual market demands. This would help prevent difficulties for workers abroad and protect Pakistan’s reputation.
Another challenge is the existence of dubious training institutions in Pakistan that issue engineering certificates and qualifications without providing genuine education or training. Addressing this problem falls squarely within the responsibility of the relevant regulatory authorities.
Since assuming office in Jeddah, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani, along with his team, has prioritized efforts to increase the employment of Pakistanis in major Saudi institutions. Welfare officers including Ms. Azka Iqbal, Ms. Zainab Asad Munir, and Akif Iqbal have been working tirelessly not only to resolve community-related issues but also to promote employment opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi organizations.
However, sustainable success requires support from Pakistan’s Ministry of Labour and related institutions in Islamabad. These agencies should provide the Jeddah Consulate with details of genuinely skilled workers rather than individuals holding purchased certificates. This would allow Pakistani officials to confidently present qualified candidates to Saudi employers and enhance Pakistan’s standing.
A notable recent achievement was led by Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani, together with Consul Zainab Asad Munir and Commercial Consul Sadia Khan. They facilitated an important development aimed at creating additional employment opportunities for Pakistani healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.
On June 15, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the headquarters of Middle East Healthcare Company in the Al Zahra district of Jeddah. The agreement was concluded between Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (through the Overseas Employment Corporation – OEC) and the Saudi healthcare provider.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government of Pakistan by the Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah. The purpose of the agreement is to enhance cooperation in the recruitment and placement of Pakistani doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the occasion, the Consul General highlighted that Pakistan possesses a highly educated and experienced healthcare workforce capable of delivering services in accordance with international standards. He expressed confidence that this partnership would open new employment avenues for Pakistani medical professionals and further strengthen economic and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Middle East Healthcare Company is among the region’s leading healthcare organizations and manages numerous hospitals and medical centers. Under the agreement, the company will explore opportunities to recruit Pakistani doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel to meet its growing workforce requirements.
It is also noteworthy that Saudi German Health plans to establish two new hospitals in Pakistan. Currently, approximately 500 Pakistani doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are serving within the Saudi German Group, reflecting the strong cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the healthcare sector.
