Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are moving toward a new deal covering the recruitment of Pakistani domestic workers in the Kingdom.
The proposed Domestic Workers Agreement aims to make the recruitment process more transparent, organized and secure.
It is also expected to provide stronger protections for Pakistani workers employed in Saudi households. Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest destinations for Pakistani workers seeking employment overseas.
The Kingdom is also a major source of remittances sent to Pakistan by overseas workers. Labour cooperation, therefore, remains an important part of relations between the two countries.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Discuss New Labour Deal
Discussions gained momentum following high-level meetings at the International Labour Conference in Geneva.
Pakistan’s Minister and Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development met senior Saudi officials. The Saudi representatives were from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Both sides discussed opportunities to improve cooperation in the deployment of Pakistani workers to Saudi Arabia. During these discussions, Saudi officials proposed a separate framework specifically covering Pakistani domestic workers.
The proposed Domestic Workers Agreement would establish clearer procedures for recruitment and employment. It would also strengthen coordination between relevant authorities in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Focus on Pakistani Workers’ Protection
Worker protection and welfare are expected to remain key elements of the proposed agreement. The framework aims to support safe, orderly and regular migration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
It could also provide a more structured recruitment process for Pakistanis seeking domestic employment in the Kingdom. The proposed deal would build upon an existing labour agreement between the two countries.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the General Agreement on the Recruitment of Workers in 2021. However, the latest proposed framework will focus specifically on domestic workers and their employment requirements.
Saudi Arabia Remains Key Destination for Pakistanis
Millions of Pakistanis have worked in Saudi Arabia over several decades.
Pakistani workers have contributed to different sectors of the Saudi economy and development. At the same time, remittances from Saudi Arabia provide important financial support to families across Pakistan.
These remittances also contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange inflows.
The proposed agreement could further strengthen labour cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh. It could also establish a dedicated system focused on workers’ rights, dignity and welfare.
Cabinet Approval Sought
Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has moved the proposal forward.
The ministry has requested Federal Cabinet approval for signing the agreement. Approval has been sought under the Rules of Business, 1973.
Once approved, the Domestic Workers Agreement could be signed during an upcoming high-level Saudi visit to Pakistan. The final agreement could mark another step toward strengthening labour ties between the two countries.
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It is also expected to provide a clearer recruitment framework for Pakistani domestic workers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia.
