Pakistan official lauds Qatar labour reforms

Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD), called on HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro and congratulated HE the Minister for the exceptional labour reforms undertaken by the Qatari government in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation.

The Special Assistant expressed satisfaction over the worker-friendly policies of the Qatari government and the overall working and living conditions of Pakistani workers, the Pakistan embassy said in a press statement.

He emphasised the need for digital connectivity between the two ministries, which would bring a positive change in the existing recruitment mechanism.

Bukhari also highlighted the potential of the Pakistani workforce and urged HE the Minister on expediting the intake of skilled Pakistani workers in Qatar's labour force.

He hoped that the two sides would actively engage with each other for enhancing the Pakistani workforce in Qatar.

The SAPM also requested HE the Minister to open Qatar Visa Centres in Peshawar and Lahore.

Separately, Bukhari also attended the Overseas Employment Promoters Conference.

It was organised for business-to-business, direct interaction between the manpower agencies of both sides.

The conference was attended by officials from the Qatari Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, top Qatari employers along with Qatari manpower supplying agencies.

Bukhari highlighted the potential of Pakistani manpower in areas related to security, building and construction, hospitality, medical, engineering and other professions.

He emphasised that the Pakistani side was all set to fulfil the manpower requirements of Qatar particularly in connection with the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Manpower agencies from both sides appreciated the organisation of the conference and expressed hope that it would bring positive results in terms of enhancing the Pakistani manpower in Qatar.

The Special Assistant later visited the Asian Town labour camp in the Industrial Area.

He was briefed on the facilities provided to workers, especially medical, lodging, dining and recreational facilities.

He was shown around the camp and the facilities.

Bukhari also met a group of Pakistani workers staying at the camp, listened to their issues and assured them of all possible help from the government and, particularly, from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.