ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Adviser on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Jawad Sohrab Malik on Friday met with Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins and discussed enhancing labour mobility between the two countries.
During the meeting, Malik briefed Australian High Commissioner Hawkins on the abundant pool of skilled Pakistani professionals and workers poised to contribute to the Australian labor market.
He underscored the potential of this collaboration to address labor shortages in various sectors and emphasized the critical need for secure labor mobility channels to mitigate irregular migration from Pakistan to Australia. Both parties emphasized the significance of providing safe pathways for individuals seeking overseas employment opportunities.
The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister also sought information regarding in-demand trades, accreditation, and language proficiency requirements for Australian working and skilled visas, with the aim of simplifying the process for Pakistani job seekers in Australia. Moreover, the conversation delved into the possibility of establishing centers of excellence within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sectors in both nations.
Malik highlighted that these centers would prepare Pakistani workers to meet the standards of the Australian labor market. Furthermore, he brought to attention the potential for establishing a Migration and Mobility Partnership between Pakistan and Australia, which would foster comprehensive cooperation in labor mobility.
Malik expressed a keen interest in Pakistan’s inclusion in the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) Scheme, designed to address labor shortages in rural and regional Australia, particularly in the agricultural sector. Malik stated, “Inclusion in the PALM Scheme would create opportunities for Pakistani workers to meet Australia’s labor needs, further strengthening the bonds between the two nations.”
Both parties explored the possibility of linking job portals between the two countries, making it more convenient for employers and job seekers to connect. The Managing Director of the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) also attended the meeting.
