Exploring overseas employment opportunities for specialized jobs: Pakistan's strategy for securing skilled positions in the UAE and other regions
The Pakistani Skilled Workforce Council - UAE (PSWC-UAE) is a proposed platform aimed at connecting Pakistani skilled professionals with high-demand sectors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Based in Dubai, the independent, non-profit organization is led by respected Pakistani professionals and entrepreneurs from across the Emirates [1].
The PSWC-UAE's vision is to move remittances beyond being a survival mechanism and turn them into a driver of prosperity. By enabling Pakistani skilled workers to command competitive salaries in the UAE, the council aims to significantly impact both economies. For Pakistan, the council could help mitigate brain drain, enhance remittances, and encourage skill development and certification aligned with international standards [1][2][4]. For the UAE, the council would help meet the growing need for skilled labor in rapidly expanding and high-tech sectors, improving talent sourcing efficiency while ensuring the supply of workers who are already vetted and trained according to local requirements [1][3].
The council's roadmap includes rapid foundational steps such as convening a founding meeting, securing endorsements, launching a digital platform for job matching, and organizing recruitment and networking events within the first 120 days [1]. The PSWC-UAE would also run mentorship initiatives, simplify visa processes, and ensure Pakistani qualifications are recognized in the Emirates. Furthermore, the council could facilitate the establishment of joint vocational training centres in Pakistan funded by UAE industry partners [4].
In addition, the PSWC-UAE could advocate for a dedicated Pakistan Skilled Worker Visa Programme with the UAE. The council would identify opportunities in high-growth sectors such as IT, AI, healthcare, finance, aviation, and advanced technical services [2]. The ultimate objective of the proposed council is to boost overseas workers' remittances, which hit a record $38.3 billion during the financial year 2024-25 [4].
The creation of the PSWC-UAE is proposed by Irfan Mustafa, a global executive and vocal overseas Pakistani, committed to promoting Pakistan's integrity and countering disinformation in global media [1]. The council would serve as a bridge between Pakistan's talent pool and the UAE's evolving employment needs, potentially expanding into other Gulf countries in the future [2].
However, the PSWC-UAE would face challenges such as funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and earning industry trust. Nevertheless, with the right support and collaboration, the council could play a significant role in elevating Pakistan-UAE workforce collaboration, fostering skills development, easing labor mobility, and creating a mutually beneficial cycle that supports economic growth and diversification in both countries.
