Pakistan Unveils Landmark National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026 to Protect Overseas Workers, Boost Global Employment and Strengthen Diaspora Engagement

ISLAMABAD, July 23: The Government of Pakistan has officially launched the National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026, a landmark national framework aimed at transforming labour migration governance, protecting overseas Pakistani workers, expanding global employment opportunities, and strengthening engagement with the country’s diaspora.

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 organizations, federal and provincial officials, development partners and members of the media.

Addressing the gathering, the minister described the policy as more than an administrative framework, calling it a national commitment to over 11 million Overseas Pakistanis living and working across the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and other regions. He said the initiative reflects the government’s vision of making Pakistan a preferred global source of skilled human resources while ensuring the dignity, protection and welfare of every Pakistani worker abroad.

He noted that rapid technological innovation, demographic shifts and changing global labour market demands require Pakistan to equip its workforce with internationally recognized skills and stronger institutional support. The policy, he said, seeks to address long-standing challenges, including fragmented migration governance, skills shortages, irregular migration, informal remittance channels and the reintegration of returning migrants.

Highlighting the contribution of overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain said they sent a record US$41.58 billion in remittances during FY2025-26, the highest annual inflow in Pakistan’s history, reaffirming their vital role in the country’s economic stability.

The minister said the policy is built around five strategic pillars: safe and orderly emigration, skills development, protection of migrant workers, diaspora engagement and the reintegration of returning migrants.

Under the new framework, the government will establish a Labour Market Research Cell, modernize the regulatory framework for Overseas Employment Promoters, strengthen the role of Community Welfare Attachés, expand international talent partnerships, and introduce digital initiatives including the PAKTOK App, the Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework and the e-Informed Migration Framework. The policy also aims to expand overseas employment opportunities in underserved regions, including Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while aligning technical and vocational training with international labour market requirements.

To enhance worker welfare, the government plans to establish an International Call Centre for overseas workers, create Special Courts for faster dispute resolution, engage legal support in destination countries, introduce an EOBI Pension Scheme for migrant workers, and provide education support for their children.

The policy also seeks to encourage formal remittance channels through initiatives such as the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP), Roshan Digital Account (RDA) and Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs), while discouraging illegal Hawala and Hundi networks. Returning emigrants will benefit from a national profiling database, referral services and a formal system to recognize foreign qualifications and professional experience.

The National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026 will be implemented in three phases over the next three years. A high-level Task Force, chaired by the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, will oversee implementation and monitor progress.

Concluding his address, Chaudhry Salik Hussain thanked the provincial governments, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and all development partners for their support in formulating the policy. He said the government’s goal is to ensure that every Pakistani who seeks opportunities abroad travels with confidence, works with dignity, and returns home with pride.