Pakistani Workers: A Strategic Advantage for Gulf Employers

In the unique dynamic of the global work market, the ties between Pakistan and the GCC nations have proven to be significantly important, especially in the domain of business and recruitment. Pakistani workers comprise an imperative labor force across different areas in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) , contributing essentially to their financial circumstances and development. This article investigates the Pakistani labor force’s strategic advantage to the employers in the Gulf nations, particularly focusing on the shared advantages and difficulties related to this mutually beneficial relationship.

The History of Pak - GCC Relationship

Pakistan’s ties with the GCC are decades old; ingrained in shared social, cultural and religious values. Pakistan, with its enormous populace and gifted labor force, has been a vital provider of workforce to the GCC since the 1960s. In the 1970s this relationship further strengthened as the GCC nations looked for labor to fuel the development of infrastructure and economic growth consequently gaining pace from the oil bloom.

These decades have made Pakistan among the primary sources of foreign workforce for the GCC countries, especially in areas like medical care, construction, hospitality, and administrative requirements. This harmonious relationship has been valuable for both; Pakistani labor can find job opportunities, while the GCC nations meet their work requisites to help their aggressive projects for continuing growth and development.

According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2022-23,

Saudi Arabia and UAE accounted for over 77.5% of the 829,549 Pakistani expatriate workers in 2022. Moreover, over 96% of Pakistani workers registered for overseas employment were placed in GCC countries.

How Can the be global market after pandemic is Win Win Situation for both Parties ?

Shazia Anwer Cheema, an author, columnist, and foreign affairs expert, suggests that Pakistanis need to carve out their place within the challenging Middle Eastern market, aligning with initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Kuwait’s Vision 2035, Qatar’s Vision 2030, Oman’s Vision 2040, Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, and Bahrain’s Vision 2030.

However, the new approach adapted by these GCC countries for their sustainability has open new ventures and jobs for global world. This situation can work in favour of Pakistani labour.

How can Pakistani Work Force be of utmost advantage for GCC countries?

The recruitment process is a complex one; requiring investments in terms of time, resources, and finances. Hence, employers in the Gulf have more at stake when they hire a professional from a foreign workforce.

Here are some reasons , our team listed some strategic benefits that make the life of HR Managers easy by recruiting the Pakistani labor force.

Skilled Human Resource

One of the major factors behind the strategic advantage that the Pakistani workforce offers is the diversity found in the skills and expertise that the Pakistani professionals possess. From profoundly talented experts in fields like engineering, design, medication, and information technology to workers in fields like manufacturing and construction, Pakistan gives a wide range of human resources to meet the diverse requirements of industries in the GCC countries.

3,459 highly skilled, 5,028 highly qualified, 17,284 semi-skilled, 95,783 unskilled, and 103,151 skilled Pakistani workers were processed for jobs abroad.

Religious and Cultural Similarities

Pakistan shares religious and cultural values with the Gulf. This alignment fosters a positive work environment, as Pakistani workers find comfort in familiar values and norms. The shared religious and cultural practices help Pakistani workers easily integrate into the GCC societies, reducing the risk of social isolation and conflict in the workplace.

Competitive, Cost-Effectiveness

Pakistani labor offers another strategic advantage to Gulf employers due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. Compared to workers from other Asian Countries , Pakistani labor is more economically viable because of lower wage expectations and fewer cultural or language barriers. Pakistani workers are also willing to accept challenging assignments and work for extended hours, providing Gulf employers with a competitive edge in meeting project deadlines and enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Conclusively, the relationship between Pakistani labor and GCC employers arises as an essential union well established in shared cultural values and financial objectives. Pakistani specialists, famous for their wide range of abilities and steadfast hardworking attitude, have been instrumental in enabling the development and advancement of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries across different professional fields. Through mutual collaboration and efforts both Pakistan and the GCC nations can continue harnessing and tapping into the potential of the labor force in Pakistan and achieve mutual prosperity and economic development.