ISLAMABAD: The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), through the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC), has partnered with the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA) to conduct capacity-building training and consultative sessions for several Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs).

This initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of OEPs, equipping them to provide the best possible service to job seekers aspiring to work abroad and addressing the challenges faced by workers in Pakistan and abroad.

The training featured two sessions covering topics including fair recruitment practices, legal frameworks, ethical standards, monitoring and grievance mechanisms, the significance of pre-departure orientation, and post-arrival information for intending, aspiring, and potential migrant workers from Pakistan. Community Welfare Attaché (CWA), Embassy of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia Sohail Babar, Director Operations Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) Farrukh Jamal, Group President, POEPA Athar Iqbal Shah, and Professor at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Dr. Umm-e-Laila were the main speakers.

Saad ur Rehman Khan, project manager of the MRCs in Pakistan, highlighted in his opening remarks that “investing in the training of OEPs is crucial for creating a more transparent and responsible migration system that safeguards the rights and well-being of migrant workers. By equipping OEPs with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can contribute to a more ethical and sustainable labour migration process.” Rana Imran, MRC coordinator, Islamabad, highlighted “the vital role of training workshops in empowering OEPs, ensuring fair recruitment, legal compliance, and migrant welfare.

Farrukh Jamal, director operations at the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), highlighted the role of government departments in securing labour worker rights and ensuring fair and safe working conditions through legislation. He focused on labour laws and ethical recruitment practices that protect workers from exploitation, discrimination, and unsafe environments, promoting a more just society.

Sohail Babar, a community welfare attaché (CWA), Embassy of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, explained the various channels available to workers for reporting any infringement of their rights, ensuring they can navigate potential challenges with confidence.

Athar Iqbal Shah, group president POEPA, shared his thoughts, stating that through this training session, MRC and POEPA are not only fostering the professional development of licensed OEPs but also ensuring that job seekers receive optimal support and guidance in their pursuit of opportunities abroad.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2024