The Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BIEE) has announced that a Certificate Mandatory rule will now apply to all Pakistanis seeking work abroad. The new regulation requires job seekers to complete a Soft Skills Certification before leaving the country.
This Certificate Mandatory step focuses on preparing workers for international workplaces. It covers essential skills such as communication, workplace etiquette, problem-solving, and professional behavior. Officials say the initiative aims to improve the quality and employability of Pakistani workers in Gulf and European countries.
According to the BIEE notification, all Pakistanis traveling to European countries for employment must have this Soft Skills Certification. Similarly, for Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, the Certificate Mandatory rule will come into effect from March 1, 2026.
The directive applies to individuals securing jobs both through recruitment agencies and independently. Job seekers must complete the certification before beginning any employment or professional arrangements abroad.
To obtain the Soft Skills Certificate, applicants can use the official OEC (Overseas Employment Corporation) platform. The certification process is available via the PakSoftSkills app or online at: https://softskills.oec.gov.pk. The government urges all potential overseas workers to complete this certification promptly to avoid delays in travel or employment processing.
Officials emphasized that the Certificate Mandatory rule ensures that Pakistani workers are equipped with essential skills, making them more competitive and adaptable in international job markets. The BIEE has also set up support channels to assist applicants with registration and completion of the required training.
With thousands of Pakistanis seeking overseas employment annually, this step marks a significant effort to enhance the country’s workforce standards while safeguarding the interests of both workers and employers abroad.
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