Muscat: In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Pakistan and Oman have agreed to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labor and manpower exchange. This agreement is set to facilitate the development of a skilled workforce and ensure their smooth transition from Pakistan to Oman. The decision was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and his Omani counterpart, Dr. Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour of the Sultanate of Oman.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting was part of Minister Hussain’s three-day visit to Oman, which includes engagements with various Omani ministers and the inauguration of a new branch of the Pakistan International School in Muscat. Minister Hussain discussed the extensive reforms undertaken by the Government of Pakistan to enhance the professional capacity of Pakistani workers and improve their emigration process. The initiatives include upgrading technical training centers to meet international certification standards.
The ministers highlighted the significant contribution of the Pakistani diaspora to Oman’s sectors such as construction, oil and gas, and healthcare, underscoring the importance of the Pakistani workforce in Oman’s economy. Oman is noted as the third largest employer of Pakistani workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), after Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with the Pakistani community in Oman sending over $1 billion in remittances annually.
Further discussions focused on a new compulsory pre-departure orientation program by Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. This program aims to educate workers about the labor laws, rights, and cultural sensitivities of the host country, enhancing their readiness for overseas employment.
Dr. Baowain reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to streamlining the migration process and removing any obstacles, highlighting the skilled nature of Pakistani workers and their diverse contributions to Oman’s development. In response, Minister Hussain proposed potential investments by Oman in skill development centers in Pakistan, tailored to meet the demands of the Omani market, and invited Dr. Baowain to Pakistan to explore joint training opportunities.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to enhance official engagements and further solidify the cooperative ties between the two nations.