The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will no longer issue work visas to unskilled Pakistani workers. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, confirmed this policy shift. The country now prefers highly skilled professionals in fields such as IT, banking, and healthcare.
Tirmizi stated that Pakistan must adapt to this change. He urged Pakistanis to train for high-demand professions. The UAE is focusing on attracting workers with specialized expertise.
High-Demand Professions in UAE
The ambassador emphasized that job opportunities in the UAE remain strong for skilled professionals. Fields such as artificial intelligence, finance, and aviation are in high demand. He highlighted the need for Pakistan to train professionals in these sectors.
Workers in skilled jobs earn significantly more than those in unskilled roles. An unskilled worker’s salary starts at AED 1,000 per month. In contrast, skilled professionals earn upwards of AED 20,000.
Pakistan’s Strategy for Workforce Development
Pakistan plans to boost skills training to meet the UAE’s evolving job market needs. The government is working to develop specialized education programs. These include:
- Nursing and medical training centers to produce more healthcare workers.
- Pilot training schools to train aviation professionals.
- IT and artificial intelligence programs to prepare workers for the technology sector.
Tirmizi stressed the importance of global demand for skilled workers. He noted that trained Pakistani professionals could secure jobs not just in the UAE but worldwide.
Rising Remittances from Pakistani Expats
The shift to skilled jobs is already benefiting Pakistan’s economy. In the past six months, remittances from Pakistanis in the UAE increased by 53%. The total amount sent home reached $4.5 billion. Experts predict this figure could reach $9 billion by the end of the year.
Tirmizi acknowledged the contributions of all Pakistani workers abroad. He praised both blue-collar workers and highly skilled professionals for strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
Future Economic Collaboration
The ambassador highlighted the broader economic relationship between Pakistan and the UAE. He stressed that this partnership is not just about sending workers abroad. It includes investment opportunities, job creation, and long-term economic cooperation.
Pakistan aims to position itself as a global economic player. The country is focusing on attracting investment, promoting tourism, and improving higher education. Tirmizi believes these steps will help Pakistan thrive in a changing global job market.
A Call for Skill Development
The UAE’s decision signals the end of an era for unskilled Pakistani workers. Tirmizi urged Pakistanis to focus on acquiring specialized skills. He emphasized that the future belongs to those who prepare for high-paying, in-demand professions.
Pakistan’s workforce must adapt to these changes. With the right training and education, Pakistanis can secure better jobs and strengthen the country’s economy.
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