Pakistani prime minister’s aide Jawad Sohrab Malik met Qatari labor minister, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, on Wednesday to discuss collaboration opportunities between the two countries in the labor sector, a statement from the overseas Pakistani ministry said.
Gulf countries are an ideal destination for Pakistan’s labor exports. The region employed over 90 percent of the 540,282 Pakistani individuals who actively sought job opportunities abroad from January to August 2023, according to official data.
Pakistan enjoys cordial relations with Qatar and cooperates with the Gulf country in various sectors of the economy such as defense, trade, economy and others.
During his meeting, Malik provided an overview of the Pakistani government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing labor skills to meet the standards of the Qatari labor market, the overseas Pakistani ministry said.
“The discussion underscored the commitment of both leaders to encourage as well as enhance safe and legal migration of the Pakistani workforce to Qatar,” the statement said.
It added that both representatives affirmed their commitment to ensuring the “welfare and prosperity” of the Pakistani workforce in Qatar.
“Both leaders also discussed opening of more Qatar Visa Centers (QVCs) in Pakistan for ease of Pakistani migrant workforce,” the ministry said.
During his visit, Malik is scheduled to engage with Qatari conglomerates to explore and sign agreements aimed at providing and enhancing employment opportunities for the Pakistani workforce.
These agreements, the ministry for overseas Pakistanis said, are expected to contribute significantly to the economic growth and cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar.