Latest news with #OEPs
Arab News
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan sent 336,999 nationals abroad for jobs from Jan. 1 to Jun. 30
ISLAMABAD: The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BUEO) sent around 336,999 Pakistanis abroad from January 1 to June 30 this year, state-run media reported on Monday, crediting the government's policies for increasing employment opportunities for Pakistan's skilled and unskilled laborers. Thousands of Pakistanis every year travel abroad for jobs in Gulf countries, Europe, the United States and other nations. Citing data from an official of the BUEO, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said over 10 million emigrants have been provided overseas employment through the bureau since its inception in 1971. 'Through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BUEO) an attached department of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development from January 1 to June 30, around 336,999 Pakistanis have proceeded abroad for employment,' APP reported. The official shared that in 2015, 946,571 Pakistanis went abroad for jobs, the highest number ever. The official further said 116,300 foreign jobs are available with BEOE. 'Overseas employment is playing a vital role in reducing the pressure of unemployment at home, besides being a major means of earning foreign exchange in the shape of overseas workers' remittances,' it added. The state-run media said the bureau controls, regulates, facilitates and monitors the emigration process followed by the Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) in the private sector. It also monitors the 'direct employment' mode adopted by individuals, who seek foreign employment either through their own efforts or relatives and friends living abroad. 'The Bureau has been engaged in maintaining comprehensive statistical record of all the migrant workers since 1971, which provides basis for planning and policy formulation by the Economic Division and other interested government departments. The remittances sent by Pakistani citizens employed abroad is crucial for the South Asian country to shore up its foreign reserves, especially as it grapples with a prolonged economic crisis.
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Too many deportations
EDITORIAL: A parliamentary panel was informed the other day that more than 58,000 Pakistanis have been deported from various countries during the last couple of years. According to interior ministry officials, as many as 5,600 individuals were expelled from Gulf States for beggary (mostly professional beggars disguised as pilgrims working for organised gangs). Those countries have zero tolerance for begging, and strictly implement measures to curb it. Furthermore, around 34,000 Pakistanis were deported from Iran last year, while nearly 50,000 were sent back from Iraq. Unsurprisingly, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was also told that while a growing number of potential immigrants are trying to reach Europe, approximately 12,000 having applied for asylum in different European countries during just the last one year. These numbers highlight a troubling trend that reflects both migration challenges and underlying socio-economic issues within Pakistan. The sad story of deportations, therefore, is not just about foreign countries, but also about our domestic conditions such as high unemployment rates, lack of access to economic mobility, and political instability. Many of our people seek better economic opportunities abroad due to limited prospects at home. The Gulf States, Europe and North America have traditionally been destinations for those in search of greener pastures. But several Western nations have introduced stricter immigration policies, tightening their borders and increasing deportation numbers. A broad political shift towards nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric disproportionately impacts migrant workers from developing countries like Pakistan. Restrictive border controls, nonetheless, have not put a halt on immigration. Among the thousands that have perished at sea in hopes of finding a fulfilling life in Europe, include hundreds of Pakistanis. The number of Pakistanis willing to risk everything to go abroad, even if it means embarking on hazardous journeys across irregular dangerous routes, shows the desperation they feel. Many taking illegal or irregular migration routes sometimes succeed in arriving at destination without proper documents, only to get turned back. That though is not the whole story. It turns out that 1,460 deportees had travelled through 691 Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs), apparently, a legally approved body for providing guidance and help to job seekers abroad. Some of them are suspected of facilitating illegal migration. The Senate panel has recommended initiating criminal proceedings against the OEPs involved in sending individuals abroad for beggary or with falsified documents, bringing shame to this country. A fresh approach is needed to deal with the issues causing the outflow of migrants. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Over 58,000 Pakistanis deported from various states since 2023
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel was informed on Tuesday that more than 58,000 Pakistanis have been deported from various countries since 2023, with a significant number facing repatriation on charges related to beggary and immigration violations. Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, the Interior Ministry officials revealed that 5,600 deportees were expelled specifically for beggary from Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. The committee, chaired by Zeeshan Khanzada, reviewed data submitted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad. According to the Director General of Passports and Immigration, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, many Pakistani citizens had overstayed their visas while travelling for religious pilgrimages to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq. Kazi disclosed that around 34,000 Pakistanis were deported from Iran last year, while nearly 50,000 were sent back from Iraq. He also pointed to a growing trend of asylum seekers, with approximately 125,000 Pakistanis applying for asylum in European countries during the last one year. The committee raised concerns over the increase in deportations due to fake documentation and beggary, noting that such incidents have damaged Pakistan's international image and strained relations with brotherly countries in the Gulf and Middle East. Interior Ministry officials confirmed that the names of deportees have been placed on the Passport Control List (PCL), and in some cases, their passports have been cancelled in an effort to curb this trend. However, Senator Shahadat Awan, a member of the committee, objected, arguing that cancelling passports for offences committed outside Pakistan's jurisdiction may not be legally justified. The committee further inquired about the Interior Ministry's action against Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) suspected of facilitating illegal or exploitative migration. Officials revealed that 1,460 deportees had travelled through 691 OEPs. Show-cause notices have been issued to those implicated, and the panel has recommended initiating criminal proceedings against the promoters involved in sending individuals abroad for beggary or with falsified documents. Zamir Hussain Ghumro, another member of the panel, questioned what steps the ministry has taken to prevent such crimes, which he said have brought shame to the country. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development informed the committee that 7,873 Pakistanis were deported between 2019 and 2025, with 1,064 of those cases linked to beggary. The panel has also sought a breakdown of 5,000 deportees who travelled on work permits or visit visas to evaluate the involvement of employment agents. In a separate briefing, the managing director of the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) presented updates on economic diplomacy initiatives aimed at promoting the export of skilled labour. He said that approximately 10.3 million skilled Pakistani workers are currently employed overseas. The OEC has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with 18 countries, with an additional 15 under negotiation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
