Pakistan Unveils Comprehensive OIC Labour Initiative
At the Sixth Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers (ICLM) in Doha, Qatar, Pakistan’s Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, presented a comprehensive four-pronged framework aimed at strengthening workforce skills, promoting ethical labour mobility, and fostering regional integration among OIC member states.
OIC Skills Partnership and Labour Corridors
As part of the initiative, the minister proposed launching an OIC Skills Partnership to train workers in emerging sectors, including digital technology, renewable energy, and the care economy. He also called for establishing ethical Labour Mobility Corridors, introducing standardised bilateral templates to ensure fair recruitment practices and protection for migrant workers in line with the OIC Charter.
Social Security and Entrepreneurship
The minister emphasised the development of portable social security schemes for migrant workers, allowing recognition of their service across borders. He also highlighted expanding joint programs under the Islamic Development Bank’s Youth Employment Support Programme (YES) to foster entrepreneurship and innovation across OIC member states. Pakistan is ready to host pilot projects and training exchanges under these initiatives.
Regional Integration and Gulf Employment
Chaudhry Salik Hussain urged OIC countries to move beyond fragmented approaches and adopt regional integration strategies to unlock labour potential. He recommended that Gulf countries, as major manpower hubs, expand employment and visa opportunities for workers from Islamic nations, promoting solidarity, security, and shared prosperity.
Domestic Achievements and Global Partnerships
Highlighting Pakistan’s domestic workforce achievements, the minister noted that over 200,000 youth have earned internationally recognised skills certifications under the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF). Pakistan’s National Employment Policy further focuses on workplace safety, inclusion of women and persons with disabilities, and social protection.
He underlined strong bilateral partnerships with countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which employ millions of Pakistani workers through ethical recruitment. Pakistan is also collaborating with NAVTTC, ILO, ICMPD, and GIZ to align skills training with employer demand in Gulf regions, bridging technical education with job placements abroad.
Endorsement of Mutual Recognition Arrangement
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for skilled workers. If fully implemented, the MRA could create new employment avenues and establish a seamlessly integrated Islamic labour market.
Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmad also attended the conference, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to improving worker welfare and global workforce standards.
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