Ch Salik Hussain Announces Landmark Reforms for Overseas Pakistanis

Islamabad: (Web Desk)- The Government of Pakistan has unveiled landmark reforms aimed at protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis while strengthening governance and accelerating digitization across key institutions.

Speaking to the media at the Pakistan Governance Forum-2026, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, said the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and long-term policy stability.

He emphasized that government policies should be introduced with a defined timeframe to assure investors and the business community of their continuity. According to the minister, policy certainty for five to ten years would enable entrepreneurs to plan confidently and encourage sustained investment.

Highlighting progress on international engagement, Chaudhry Salik Hussain said successful negotiations with Spain have resulted in granting legal residency to around 20,000 Pakistanis currently living there. He noted that overseas employment not only provides dignified livelihoods to young Pakistanis but also contributes significantly to foreign exchange inflows.

Govt Prioritises Resolution of Overseas Pakistanis’ Issues in Spain: Salik Hussain

The minister revealed that remittances have witnessed a historic increase in recent months, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s economic trajectory. He also shared outcomes of recent visits to Middle Eastern countries, stating that the government plans to make soft-skills training mandatory for outgoing workers to ensure awareness of local laws, cultural norms, and professional standards.

Addressing institutional reforms, he said long-pending cases spanning over a decade at the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution are being resolved, which is expected to bring billions of rupees in financial relief. Reforms are also underway at the Workers Welfare Fund to enhance facilities for laborers.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain further stated that strict action has been taken against illegal recruitment agents, while complaint redressal mechanisms at the Bureau of Emigration have been strengthened. He added that all Protectorate Offices and related systems will be fully digitized within the year.

Responding to a question, the minister said passports of individuals involved in begging or other illegal activities abroad would be blocked for five to ten years.

On property-related grievances of overseas Pakistanis, he said nearly 90 percent of complaints fall in this category. To address the issue, special courts have been established in Islamabad, where cases will be decided within 90 days. He added that online hearings will be available, enabling overseas Pakistanis to pursue cases without traveling to Pakistan.