Chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, the meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Development was held at Parliament House on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, the Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD), the Director General of the Bureau of Immigration Overseas Employment  (BE&OE), and senior officials from the concerned department. Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro emphasized to the members that individuals residing abroad for more than six months have the legitimate right to be recognized as Overseas Pakistanis. He also highlighted that serious efforts are being made to address the property rights of Overseas Pakistanis, with actions to be taken within 15 days by the court order. The establishment of ‘Special Courts’ bill was unanimously approved by the Committee members. The Secretary MOPHRD added that this bill will be instrumental in resolving the issues faced by Overseas Pakistanis.

The DG BE&OE briefed the members on the background, legal framework, mandate, performance and the protectorate of emigrants of the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. It was noted that a total of nine courts have been established. He also explained the process flow for foreign employment, emphasizing that the Bureau of Emigration acts as a regulator, while the scrutiny of illegal immigration falls under the jurisdiction of the FIA. The Director General further stated that if a complaint is lodged against any agent or if a license holder is not affiliated with the Bureau, the matter is immediately reported to the FIA. The Chairman of the Committee pointed out that if a person goes overseas through a licensed agent and engages in beggary or illegal activities, it is the responsibility of the Bureau of Emigration to address the issue. In addition, the DG BE&OE provided a detailed briefing on the Overseas Employment Promoters with location and Province-wise break-up.

He further noted that there are 627 promoters (24%) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 362 in Sindh (14%), 5 in Balochistan (0%), and 1,590 promoters (62%) in Punjab. The Committee also held a comprehensive discussion on the number of individuals sent abroad by OEPs over the past five years with the country-wise break-up and nature of the job. Members observed that the number of individuals sent abroad has significantly declined over the years. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada remarked that the reason behind this decline is also the tarnished image of overseas Pakistanis being involved in illegal activities. He emphasized that Pakistan’s image has been stained by certain individuals, leading to Overseas Pakistanis being unfairly blamed.

He urged the Ministry to identify the true culprits to clear the name of the Overseas Pakistani community. Additionally, the Chairman of the Committee highlighted the importance of reviewing complaints against OEPs. While examining the 138 complaints filed in 2023, he asked the Ministry to provide details of the complaints submitted in the current year. In his closing remarks, Senator Khanzada expressed concern about the declining number of overseas employees and the negative impact on Pakistan's image. He urged the Ministry to prove that the individuals involved in crimes are not those who go abroad under the Ministry’s supervision. He suggested that officials provide records distinguishing between those who traveled on employment visas and those who did not, as this issue is causing significant harm to the skilled labor force.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan