Pakistan launches National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026 for overseas workers

ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday launched the National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026, setting out reforms to improve skills, worker protection, remittance channels and reintegration support for more than 11 million Overseas Pakistanis.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain unveiled the policy at a ceremony attended by foreign diplomats, representatives of international organisations, federal and provincial officials, development partners and media professionals.

The policy is aimed at addressing fragmented governance, skills shortages, informal remittance routes and gaps in the reintegration of returning workers as global labour markets increasingly shift towards high-skilled employment.

It is built around the vision of making Pakistan “a country of choice for sourcing quality human resource” and seeks to align domestic skills development with international standards.

Hussain said overseas workers had become central to Pakistan’s economic stability, with remittances reaching a record $41.58 billion during fiscal year 2025-26, the largest single source of foreign exchange in the country’s history.

Under the policy, the government will establish a Labour Market Research Cell, revise regulations governing Overseas Employment Promoters and expand the role of Community Welfare Attachés.

It will also pursue Talent Partnerships under the EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue and introduce digital platforms including the PAKTOK App, Pak. Emigrant Management Framework and e-Informed Migration Framework.

Emigration services will be expanded in Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while Technical and Vocational Education and Training curricula will be aligned with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and international institutions through Centres of Excellence.

The policy provides for greater participation by women, persons with disabilities and underrepresented communities.

For worker protection, the government plans to establish an International Call Centre for complaints, dedicated Special Courts for faster dispute resolution and arrangements with local law firms in destination countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

An Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution pension scheme and education vouchers for the children of overseas workers will also be introduced.

The government will promote formal remittance channels through the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program, Roshan Digital Account and Naya Pakistan Certificates to discourage the use of Hawala and Hundi networks.

Returning emigrants will be supported through a national profiling database, referral networks and an equivalency programme to recognise qualifications and skills acquired abroad.

The policy will be implemented in three phases: short-term measures over one year, medium-term measures over two years and long-term reforms over three years.

A high-level task force chaired by the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development will monitor implementation and coordinate work among relevant agencies.

Hussain also acknowledged the role of provincial governments, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and the Special Investment Facilitation Council in finalising the policy.