- The Prime Minister says expats send $38 billion a year, contributing to the economy.
- argues that the real strength of migrants lies in their skills and determination.
- Adds the government working through European talent partnerships and bilateral agreements.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that over 12 million overseas Pakistanis are a valuable national asset, being the ambassadors of our country’s potential and culture and serving as a strong bridge between Pakistan and other countries.
“Their remittances, exceeding $38 billion annually, have provided essential support to the national economy and have been a source of livelihood for millions of families, adding, however, that the real strength of these migrants lies in their skills, hard work and determination,” the Prime Minister said in a message on the occasion of International Migrants Day, observed on December 18.
“The Government of Pakistan strives to impart skills and technical training to those who go abroad, because success in today’s global economy requires not only technical expertise, but also social skills and mastery of various languages.”
He said to meet these demands, the government was aligning the technical and vocational training system with international standards. In this context, the government is promoting social training, skills diversity and foreign language teaching so that its workforce can meet the demands of the modern era.
Today, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan joined countries across the world in paying tribute to the courage, resilience, sacrifices and invaluable contributions of those people who left their countries to earn a living in other countries.
“This year, International Migrants Day is celebrated under the theme “My great story: cultures and development”. This theme highlights the reality that large-scale human mobility is proving to be a useful source of prosperity and benefits,” a press release quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
The Prime Minister observed that movements of people from diverse social backgrounds culturally enrich societies and foster innovation and creativity within communities.
“When a multicultural society is founded on the principles of cooperation, dignity and rights, it advances long-term and sustainable development,” he added.
He said that through the European Union Talent Partnership, as well as MoUs with various countries, Pakistan was establishing an organized system to ensure international recognition of the skills of overseas Pakistanis and protection of their rights.
Furthermore, he stressed that the draft National Emigration and Social Protection Policy and National Reintegration Policy ensure that every person going abroad enjoys a safe, secure and dignified journey at all stages.
The Prime Minister highlighted their renewed commitment to play a role in empowering those who are forced by circumstances to seek employment opportunities abroad, by equipping them with skills and ensuring safer and more dignified opportunities, so that the common path of development can yield dividends.
