ISLAMABAD: As many as 90 Pakistani graduates trained under the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) have secured employment contracts and visas for jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant boost for the country’s skilled workforce abroad.

The visa file handing-over ceremony was held in Islamabad and organised by Shalan & GL Overseas Employment Promoters, with Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar and NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad serving as chief guests.

The successful candidates have been recruited by the Transguard Group of Companies and the Emirates Group of Companies for roles in security services, aircraft cleaning and aviation loading.

Speaking at the event, Wajiha Qamar said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to align youth training with international market demands.

By equipping young Pakistanis with globally relevant skills, we are opening doors to career opportunities abroad while also strengthening Pakistan’s economy, she said.

NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad highlighted the economic benefits of overseas employment, particularly through foreign remittances.

Partnerships with reputable international employers not only expand opportunities for our youth but also enhance Pakistan’s global workforce footprint, she added. According to officials, the starting salary package for the new recruits is set at AED 2,500 per month, with two-year contracts renewable upon completion. Out of the 90 candidates, 42 were NAVTTC trainees who had completed a six-month English language programme to prepare for overseas employment.

The ceremony also revealed that nearly two dozen applicants were rejected by the UAE employers due to visible tattoos, underscoring the strict employment standards followed by international companies.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2025