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Reimagining remittances: Pakistan’s path to high-skilled jobs in the UAE and beyond
Pakistan has a chance to move beyond its historical role as a labour supplier to emerge as a trusted source of professional expertise
- PUBLISHED: Thu 14 Aug 2025, 11:45 AM
- By:
- Irfan Mustafa
For decades, Pakistan’s economic partnership with the UAE has been built on a steady supply of manpower — men and women who have helped construct the skylines, power the industries, and keep the wheels of commerce turning in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Their remittances, sent back month after month, have sustained millions of families, supported our foreign reserves, and strengthened national resilience.
Today, the UAE is undergoing another transformation — one that is as strategic as it is inevitable. Under the wise and visionary leadership of its Rulers, particularly in Dubai, the Emirates has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to anticipate global trends and act decisively. From building world-class infrastructure to becoming a hub for tourism, finance, and technology, Dubai has never been content to follow; it has always sought to lead.
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Now, the UAE’s labour market is shifting away from a dependence on low-skilled labour towards attracting high-value, skilled professionals. This is not simply an economic adjustment — it is a forward-looking national strategy designed to position the UAE at the forefront of the global knowledge economy.
For Pakistan, this change is not a setback. It is an opening. It is our chance to move beyond our historical role as a supplier of physical labour and to take our place as a trusted source of professional expertise. If approached with vision, urgency, and coordination, this could be the single most important shift in our overseas employment strategy in decades.
The opportunity spans a wide range of high-demand sectors: information technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, finance, aviation, and advanced technical services. These are industries where skilled Pakistanis — with the right training, certification, and pathways — can thrive, command competitive salaries, and contribute more meaningfully to both the UAE’s development and Pakistan’s economic growth.
To seize this moment, I propose the creation of the Pakistani Skilled Workforce Council – UAE (PSWC-UAE). This would be an independent, non-profit platform headquartered in Dubai, led by respected Pakistani professionals and entrepreneurs from across the Emirates. The council’s role would be to serve as the bridge between Pakistan’s talent pool and the UAE’s evolving employment needs.
Its functions would be wide-ranging. It would identify opportunities in high-growth sectors and link UAE employers directly with trained, qualified Pakistanis. It would sponsor technical education and certification programs in Pakistan, ensuring they are aligned with the UAE’s requirements. It would run mentorship initiatives, connecting seasoned professionals in the UAE with younger talent eager to build careers abroad. And it would work closely with both governments to simplify visa processes and ensure Pakistani qualifications are recognised in the Emirates.
The roadmap for establishing the PSWC-UAE is both practical and achievable. Within 30 days, a founding meeting of leading Pakistani professionals in Dubai could be convened to define its mission and structure. Within 60 days, the council could secure the endorsement of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission and partner with UAE business councils and chambers of commerce. Within 90 days, it could launch a dedicated digital platform to match skilled Pakistanis with job openings in the UAE. And within 120 days, it could host the inaugural Pakistani Skilled Talent Forum, a flagship recruitment and networking event to connect talent with opportunity.
The vision does not stop there. In the longer term, the council could advocate for a dedicated Pakistan Skilled Worker Visa Programme with the UAE, expand into other Gulf countries, and facilitate the establishment of joint vocational training centres in Pakistan funded by UAE industry partners.
The ultimate objective of the proposed council is to boost overseas workers’ remittances, which hit a record $38.3 billion during the financial year 2024-25, reflecting a growth of 27 per cent from $30.25 billion achieved in the fiscal year 2023-24.
Naturally, there will be challenges. Funding will be needed to get the council off the ground. Bureaucratic hurdles may slow progress. Industry trust will have to be earned. But none of these are insurmountable. Pakistan’s vibrant business community in the UAE can provide the seed capital. Awareness campaigns can build momentum. And diplomatic engagement can help clear regulatory pathways.
This is not only about jobs; it is about dignity, self-reliance, and strategic foresight. It is about moving remittances beyond being a survival mechanism and turning them into a driver of prosperity. It is about replacing the outdated narrative of “exporting labour” with a new one: “exporting expertise.”
On this Independence Day, as Pakistan reflects on its journey and dreams of a stronger, more self-sufficient future, we have a choice. We can hold on to old patterns and risk being left behind. Or we can embrace the vision of the UAE’s leadership, particularly in Dubai, and prepare our people for a high-skilled tomorrow.
Go for Pakistani Skilled Workforce Council
I propose the creation of the Pakistani Skilled Workforce Council – UAE (PSWC-UAE). This would be an independent, non-profit platform headquartered in Dubai, led by respected Pakistani professionals and entrepreneurs from across the Emirates. The council’s role would be to serve as the bridge between Pakistan’s talent pool and the UAE’s evolving employment needs.
— Irfan Mustafa is a global executive and vocal overseas Pakistani, committed to promoting Pakistan’s integrity and countering disinformation in global media.
