Pakistan's Overseas Employment Bureau Sees Record 336,999 Pakistanis Abroad for Jobs

Strategic Insights -

Since the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BIOE) was established in 1971, more than 10 million emigrants have been provided overseas employment duly registered with the Bureau. The number of Pakistanis abroad for employment has been increasing due to the country's productive policies, with new ways of job openings for skilled and unskilled Pakistani workers. In 2015, the highest number of Pakistanis (946,571) proceeded abroad for the purpose of employment. The Bureau plays a vital role in reducing the pressure of unemployment at home and is a major means of earning foreign exchange through overseas workers' remittances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has facilitated the employment of around 336,999 Pakistanis abroad through the BIOE from January 1 to June 30.
  • Since inception, the Bureau has provided overseas employment to over 10 million emigrants.
  • In 2015, the highest number of Pakistanis (946,571) proceeded abroad for employment, with the Bureau facilitating their processing.
  • The Bureau is crucial in regulating emigration under the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, promoting emigration, and advising the Federal Government on emigration policies.
  • The Bureau is also responsible for monitoring and supervising Overseas Employment Promoters, processing OEP licenses, and pre-departure briefings to emigrants.
  • Pakistan's Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) are monitored through 7 Protectorates of Emigrants Offices.
  • The Bureau ensures mandatory insurance coverage to Pakistani workers abroad and has a Memorandum of Understanding with Foreign Countries for Export of Manpower.

Statistics:

  • 336,999 Pakistanis abroad for employment from January 1 to June 30.
  • Over 10 million emigrants provided employment since the Bureau's inception in 1971.
  • 946,571 Pakistanis proceeded abroad for employment in 2015.
  • 116,300 foreign jobs available with BIOE.
  • 7 Protectorates of Emigrants Offices monitor OEPs.
  • State Life Emigrants Insurance Fund (SLEIF) manages insurance coverage for Pakistani workers abroad.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
  • Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BIOE).
  • Government of Pakistan's Emigration Ordinance, 1979.