Thousands of complaints reveal issues faced by overseas Pakistani workers
Over 9,233 Complaints by Overseas Pakistani Workers Reveal Massive Exploitation; 3,421 Cases Remain Unresolved
Islamabad: The National Assembly revealed alarming figures showing that thousands of Pakistani workers employed in the Middle East and Europe continue to face labor exploitation, non payment of wages, and poor working conditions, despite government initiatives and welfare programs. Lawmakers raised concerns over enforcement gaps, delayed wage recovery, and the vulnerability of undocumented workers.During a session, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar questioned the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, about the steps taken to protect overseas workers and the number of complaints received over the past three years. Official records presented before the Assembly showed a total of 9,233 labor related complaints, including 5,321 from Saudi Arabia, 404 from UAE, 539 from Qatar, 850 from Oman, 132 from Kuwait, 1,310 from Bahrain, and 677 from Iraq .The government highlighted a range of measures carried out by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) stationed in Pakistani missions abroad. These measures included facilitating repatriation, pursuing unpaid salaries, gratuities, accident compensation, and providing emergency relief. Legal guidance and access to labor courts have been offered for workers whose disputes could not be resolved at the initial stage. Notably, the Embassy of Kuwait even assigned a dedicated lawyer to expedite resolution of labor complaints.Despite these initiatives, the session revealed several controversies. Workers in Spain and Greece, many undocumented, remain highly vulnerable to exploitation, although efforts are being made to regularize their status and ensure protections. Multiple overseas Pakistanis reportedly face delays in recovering dues despite official follow ups. Lawmakers emphasized that in some countries, local labor authorities do not fully cooperate, leaving workers stranded and financially stressed.The Assembly was informed that the OPF has established facilitation desks at Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore International Airports and partnered with private and public institutions including the National Accountability Bureau, Punjab Police, and Board of Revenue to assist workers and recover outstanding dues. The OPF also signed MoUs with several healthcare providers, educational institutions, and hospitality organizations to offer discounts, insurance, and tuition benefits for overseas Pakistanis and their families .Minister Chaudhary Salik Hussain emphasized that while these programs exist, enforcement gaps and delayed implementation reduce their effectiveness, particularly for low income workers and those in remote locations. Lawmakers stressed that the government must act urgently to ensure timely payment of wages, protect workers from exploitation, and provide full legal support for overseas Pakistanis.
Read in Urdu: ںو ہزار سے زائد شکایات نے اوورسیز پاکستانی مزدوروں کے استحصال کی سنگین صورتحال بے نقاب کر دی، 3,421 کیسز تاحال حل نہ ہو سکے
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