ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was Tuesday informed that approximately 100,000 Pakistanis resided in Malaysia, out of which an estimated 30,000 nationals were undocumented.
The committee met at the OPF conference room, with Syed Rafiullah, MNA, in the chair.
The committee undertook a comprehensive review of overseas facilitation mechanisms, with particular focus on the performance of community welfare attachés (CWAs) and issues related to overseas employment and educational recognition abroad.
The committee noted that Pakistan produced approximately 800,000 university graduates annually, while the skilled workforce output remained comparatively low. It was emphasized that skill-based workforce development must be significantly expanded.
The committee received detailed briefings from the CWAs posted in Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.
The committee was informed that most Pakistani workers fell into the lower tiers of Japanese language proficiency, limiting access to higher-skilled opportunities. The members expressed concern over the absence of structured, Japan-specific skill and language centres comparable to those established by the regional competitors.
During discussion on South Korea, the committee was apprised that approximately 30,000 Pakistanis resided there. While Pakistan maintains an agreement with Korea and secured jobs during the reported period, concerns were raised about the retention rates and employer reluctance stemming from premature job abandonment by some workers.
In respect of Malaysia, the committee was informed that approximately 100,000 Pakistanis resided there, with an estimated 30,000 undocumented. A recruitment ban imposed since August 2024 has adversely affected job placements.
The committee was apprised of the existing MOUs, including social security arrangements and a proposed prisoner transfer agreement.
