Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has laid out a clear vision for Pakistanis to shift focus from low-wage, unskilled labor to high-paying, skilled jobs in the UAE.
During an interview with Gulf News, Tirmizi stressed that the era of unskilled workers easily finding jobs is coming to an end. Instead, he highlighted the demand for professionals in fields like IT, accounting, healthcare, artificial intelligence, banking, and aviation.
This shift is crucial for both economic growth and Pakistan’s global potential. Skilled workers can earn salaries starting at Dh20,000, compared to the modest Dh1,000 earned by unskilled labor. By enhancing workforce development, Pakistan has an opportunity to secure a larger share of the skilled job market, particularly in healthcare, where professions like nursing and physiotherapy are in demand.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of establishing better training facilities and international partnerships to nurture this talent pipeline.
The UAE, a key trading partner in the MENA region, has also shown growing confidence in Pakistan’s workforce and potential. Tirmizi emphasized that this relationship goes beyond labor exchange. Pakistan aims to attract investments and establish a multi-generational partnership, which could elevate sectors like tourism and technology.
Recent trends are encouraging. Remittances from the UAE jumped by 53 percent, reaching USD 4.5 billion in six months. With continued focus on skill development and economic ties, Pakistan aspires to cross the USD 9 billion mark by the end of the fiscal year.
Tirmizi, while acknowledging the contributions of blue-collar workers, urged Pakistanis to seize this moment as an opportunity to thrive in global markets through specialized skillsets.
