The Ministry of Labour and Manpower has drafted a new "National Migration Policy" for which a national consultative meeting would be held on Tuesday. The overseas migration plays an important role in the economic progress and prosperity of individuals as well as nations of both countries of origin and destination.
The economic contribution of migration, especially towards poverty reduction, employment generation and women empowerment is extensive. Further, the remittances sent by migrants, not only provide livelihood to their families but also funds for development at macro-economic level, it helps in building foreign exchange reserves and providing balance of payment support.
The underutilisation of workforce, unemployment and underemployment, a cause of concern continues to pose a major challenge in Pakistan. The situation, therefore, demands exploring all possible avenues to generate decent employment including overseas.
Pakistan today, with a long history of migration notwithstanding, finds itself challenged in terms of improving capacity to regulate recruitment process, eliminate unsafe; exploitative and abusive situations of migration, improve protective and welfare mechanism for migrant workers and, importantly, not only retain and expand its share in the traditional Gulf countries but also tap vast employment potential in the South East and East Asian as well as industrialised countries.
The Policy Planning Cell (PPC), Ministry of Labour and Manpower, GoP, is entrusted with the task of preparing national policies, employment Generation, Overseas Migration, and Human Resource Development. It has also been tasked to make concrete recommendations with regard to social protection and classification of labour laws.
The consultation of the PPC with the stakeholders preceded its policy formulation work. Based on the feedback, the PPC initiated and completed the work on the first National Employment Policy (NEP). The PPC, having organised provincial consultative meetings during October, November 2008, is now organising National "Consultative Meeting'.
The Joint Secretary, A/E M. Liaqat Munir Rao-will briefly inform about the process of policy formulation. The Chairman, Policy Planning Cell-Dr Sabur Ghayur will present the draft national migration policy that will be followed by general discussion. The Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Malik Asif Hayat will chair the proceedings.-PR