- The prime minister says expats send $38 billion a year, helping the economy.
- He says that the true strength of immigrants is in their skills and determination.
- He adds that the government works through EU talent associations and bilateral pacts.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said more than 12 million overseas Pakistanis were a valuable national asset, being ambassadors of our motherland’s potential and culture and serving as a strong bridge between Pakistan and other nations.
“Their remittances, which exceed $38 billion annually, provided key support to the national economy and were a source of livelihood for millions of families, adding, however, that the true strength of these migrants lies in their skills, their hard work and their determination,” the Prime Minister said in a message on the occasion of International Migrants Day, which is celebrated on December 18.
“The Government of Pakistan is focused on imparting technical skills and education to those traveling abroad, as success in today’s global economy requires not only technical expertise but also social skills and proficiency in multiple languages.”
He said to meet such requirements, the government was aligning the technical and vocational training system with international standards. In this context, the government was promoting social training, diverse skills, and foreign language education so that its workforce could meet the demands of the modern era.
Today, the Prime Minister said Pakistan joined countries around the world in paying tribute to the courage, resilience, sacrifices and invaluable contributions of those people who left their home countries to earn a living in other countries.
“This year International Migrants Day is celebrated under the theme ‘My Big Story: Cultures and Development’. This theme highlights the reality that large-scale human mobility proves to be a useful source of prosperity and benefits,” the Prime Minister said in a press release from the PM Office Media Wing.
The Prime Minister observed that the movement of people from diverse social backgrounds culturally enriched societies and promoted innovation and creativity within communities.
“When a multicultural society is based on the principles of cooperation, dignity and rights, it promotes sustainable and long-term development,” he added.
He said that through the European Union Talent Association as well as MoUs concluded with various countries, Pakistan was establishing an organized system to ensure international recognition of skills of overseas Pakistanis and protection of their rights.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the drafts of the National Emigration and Welfare Policy and the National Reintegration Policy ensured that every person traveling abroad experiences a safe and dignified journey at all stages.
The Prime Minister highlighted his renewed commitment to play a role in empowering those forced by circumstances to seek employment opportunities abroad, equipping them with skills and ensuring safer and more dignified opportunities, so that the shared path to development can pay dividends.
