ISLAMABAD – In a development that could significantly impact the lives of thousands of Pakistani expatriates, several Gulf countries have voiced concerns about the behavior and skills of Pakistani workers. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, and Kuwait have all expressed reservations, highlighting various issues related to the Pakistani labor force.
During a recent Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, Secretary Dr. Arshad revealed troubling feedback from these countries. The concerns range from inappropriate behavior to a lack of necessary skills among Pakistani expatriates.
Alarming Behavior and Crime Rates
One of the most pressing issues is the behavior of Pakistani expats in the UAE. Reports indicate that some individuals have been involved in making inappropriate videos, including filming women without consent in Dubai. This has raised serious alarm among UAE authorities.
Moreover, Pakistani expatriates have been implicated in 50% of crimes in the UAE, further tarnishing the community’s reputation. This high crime rate is causing the UAE to reconsider the quota for Pakistani workers, which has already exceeded its limit of 1.6 million to 1.8 million.
Influx of Beggars and Unskilled Workers
KSA has requested Pakistan to refrain from sending beggars and sick individuals. Many Pakistani beggars travel to KSA and Iraq under the guise of religious pilgrimages, particularly using Umrah visas. Alarmingly, 90% of beggars arrested in these countries are Pakistani nationals.
Additionally, there is a significant influx of unskilled laborers. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are modernizing rapidly, focusing on technology and development, and they require skilled workers. Unfortunately, many Pakistanis do not meet these criteria, leading to a high rate of job rejections and deportations.
Competition and Job Market Dynamics
Pakistani laborers are facing stiff competition from workers from other countries, especially Bangladesh. Senator Nasir Abbas highlighted that Bangladeshis are securing more jobs than Pakistanis due to their better skills and work ethics. In Iraq, many Pakistani workers are employed as cheap labor and often find themselves in dire conditions, almost like prisoners.
The future of Pakistani labor in the Gulf looks uncertain as these countries start looking towards Africa for even cheaper labor options. Pakistani workers’ reluctance to adapt to local norms and improve their work ethics is a significant concern. For instance, in Qatar, Pakistani laborers have refused to wear safety helmets, and in Kuwait, nurses have refused to perform essential duties, expecting ward boys to take over their responsibilities.
Government Measures and Future Outlook
To address these issues, the Pakistani government is taking several measures. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis is gathering data on job availability and new professions in various countries. A cabinet committee, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been formed to tackle immigration-related challenges.
The government is also emphasizing the need for skill development among Pakistani workers. They aim to change the perception of Pakistani labor from unskilled and problematic to skilled and reliable. This includes ensuring that workers going abroad are trained and capable of meeting the demands of their jobs.