Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan
Bio
Journalist Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan: Social Guardian & Humanitarian. Dedicated to truth and justice, he explores complex social issues and historical narratives to bring clarity. Aiming to bridge the gap between information and empathy.
Stories (14)
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Questions Over the Priorities of the Bureau of Immigration, Islamabad. AI-Generated.
Pakistan’s Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, Islamabad, has recently been running awareness campaigns and publishing advertisements on social media and other platforms about Omani labour laws; however, serious observers believe that while these activities may be well intentioned, they do not address the real and fundamental issue, because Oman is a fully law-abiding state where laws are strictly enforced and complete legal protection is provided to everyone without discrimination, from workers to traders and from Omani nationals to foreign employees, and the Omani government has established a well-organized, transparent, and effective labour system in which no one’s rights are violated and no one is above the law, yet the continued promotion of Omani labour laws by the Bureau of Immigration Islamabad creates the impression that Pakistanis face legal problems in Oman, whereas ground realities clearly show that this is not the case and that the real issue lies in Pakistan’s internal administrative weaknesses, lack of seriousness in policy making, and absence of effective diplomatic engagement, as experts emphasize that the actual need is for Pakistan to engage in continuous, serious, and dignified negotiations and formal agreements with the Omani authorities to reopen labour visas for the Pakistani workforce, especially when Oman currently has large-scale construction, development, and infrastructure projects requiring skilled, hardworking, and responsible manpower, a standard that Pakistani workers are fully capable of meeting, while the Omani government has consistently prioritized law, discipline, and the protection of foreign workers’ rights, which is why Oman is internationally recognized as a safe, stable, and reliable country, whereas in Pakistan the Bureau of Immigration and related institutions appear focused on internal procedures, paperwork, and promotional activities instead of practical action, the consequences of which are directly borne by Pakistani workers and their families, as the prolonged closure of labour visas for Pakistani workers in a well-regulated and peaceful country like Oman is deeply concerning, leaving thousands of skilled Pakistani workers, already affected by unemployment at home, helpless despite their willingness to work honestly in a nearby and law-abiding country like Oman, while their families in Pakistan continue to suffer from financial pressure, educational difficulties, and social challenges, even though Omani labour laws are clearly worker-friendly and provide a transparent system for grievance redressal, reconciliation, access to courts, exemption from fees, and timely justice, therefore instead of repeatedly promoting Omani labour laws, the Bureau of Immigration’s real responsibility is to draw the attention of the Government of Pakistan toward holding high-level negotiations with Omani authorities, removing existing obstacles, building mutual trust, and adopting a practical strategy to reopen labour visas for Pakistani workers, especially since the reputation of Pakistani workers in Oman has always been positive and the Omani people have consistently treated foreign workers, particularly Pakistanis, with dignity, protection, and opportunity within the framework of the law, while at the same time greater priority must be given to addressing the problems faced by the families of overseas Pakistanis back home, including legal, financial, and social insecurity, issues that can only be reduced when the Government of Pakistan and its institutions move beyond statements and advertisements toward real action, adopt clear policies, and strengthen cooperation with a friendly and law-abiding country like Oman based on mutual respect and trust, because Oman has long set an example in upholding the rule of law, protecting foreign workers, and maintaining transparent systems, and if Pakistan demonstrates seriousness, ongoing projects in Oman can generate dignified employment opportunities for Pakistani workers, reducing unemployment in Pakistan, increasing remittances, and improving the lives of thousands of families, therefore it is essential that the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment Islamabad reassess its priorities, address internal shortcomings, play a constructive role by engaging the Government of Pakistan in effective negotiations with Omani authorities to resolve visa-related concerns, and work toward a practical framework that respects Omani laws, acknowledges the Omani government’s organized system and the positive role of Omani society, and opens employment opportunities for the Pakistani workforce, because promoting Omani labour laws is not the real need for the Bureau of Immigration but rather correcting Pakistan’s lack of serious policy direction and effective diplomacy, and in this regard the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment Islamabad must play a positive role, including contributing to the protection and welfare of the families of migrant workers living in Oman and other countries. Written by Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awanabout a month ago in Journal
Challenges Faced by Pakistanis Abroad: Pakistan’s Diplomatic and Economic Failures. AI-Generated.
Start writing... The relationship between Pakistan and the Sultanate of Oman has always been based on brotherhood and mutual respect. Oman has consistently welcomed Pakistani workers and traders. However, the visa obstacles faced by Pakistanis over the past year are not due to the Omani authorities, but are the result of Pakistan’s diplomatic inefficiency. The Government of Pakistan has completely failed to address the concerns of the Omani authorities regarding visas and to reassure them. India, on the other hand, has established mechanisms at the government level for its citizens to work and invest in Oman, ensuring that Omani authorities have no reservations. This comparison clearly shows that when a country’s leadership is serious about protecting its citizens’ interests, it overcomes all obstacles and clears the way. In contrast, our government remains engaged only in political maneuvering. More than a year has passed, yet the Government of Pakistan has still failed to effectively resolve visa-related issues faced by Pakistani citizens in Oman. During this period, numerous Pakistanis have legally registered small and medium-sized companies in Oman to promote trade, completed all required documentation, obtained commercial licenses, and in some cases rented offices, restaurants, and shops on a monthly basis. Yet due to visa delays, they have not been able to start their businesses. These individuals are under severe financial pressure, as they continue to pay rent, government fees, and other expenses without any income. All their hopes are tied to the Government of Pakistan, hoping that a serious diplomatic initiative will resolve their issues, but so far, they have only been met with disappointment. This situation reflects the fact that the Government of Pakistan has failed, on one hand, to provide dignified employment within the country, and on the other hand, those who seek to improve their livelihoods abroad through legal work also face numerous obstacles. Incidents of being offloaded at airports are increasing, which undermines public confidence and damages the country’s reputation. Unemployment, inflation, and economic instability have placed ordinary citizens under immense pressure. When employment opportunities are limited, social deterioration becomes inevitable. In such circumstances, the responsibility of the state to provide its citizens with dignified means of livelihood increases, yet unfortunately, Pakistan’s current policies do not reflect such seriousness. This is precisely where the saying holds true: poverty erases the sense of refinement, and hunger cannot be confined within the molds of etiquette. It is noteworthy that Oman currently has large-scale development and construction projects underway, including new cities, residential communities, modern roads, bridges, ports, industrial zones, and tourist centers, all of which require a significant number of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers. Pakistan has millions of youth skilled in trades such as carpentry, labor work, electrical work, plumbing, welding, driving, and other technical fields, who can play a vital role in these projects. If the Government of Pakistan adopts timely and serious diplomatic strategies, not only can millions of Pakistani families gain employment, but the country can also earn valuable foreign exchange. On the other hand, continuous delays and negligence would waste this golden opportunity. This situation requires serious consideration because, without timely and solid diplomatic action, the economic existence of Pakistani investors and workers abroad could be severely threatened, and Pakistan’s reputation at the international level could also be harmed. The Government of Pakistan must go beyond formal statements and temporary announcements, engage in purposeful and results-oriented discussions with Omani authorities, and secure for its citizens the same practical facilities and protections that other countries successfully obtain for their workforce and investors. It is regrettable that Pakistani ministers and senior officials have visited Oman, yet no comprehensive or clear policy for the issuance of visas for skilled, semi-skilled, and commercial workers has been implemented. These visits have remained largely ceremonial and have not addressed the real issues of the public. Moreover, Pakistan’s senior leadership appears so entangled in internal political differences and power struggles that public issues are sidelined, and parliamentary forums prioritize political conflicts over public welfare, directly harming ordinary citizens. The time has come for the Government of Pakistan to act with seriousness, prioritize the issues of Pakistani investors and workers abroad, and take immediate and practical steps to integrate Pakistan’s workforce into ongoing development projects. Otherwise, this issue could escalate further, with consequences felt not only abroad but also within the country for a prolonged period.By: Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awanabout a month ago in Journal
