ISLAMABAD – Pakistani workers seeking employment in Europe now have increased assurance of skills recognition, as the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment Pakistan (BE&OE) confirmed its skill certificates are accepted in all 27 member states of the European Union. The announcement, made during a recent session of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, signals a potential easing of barriers for Pakistani laborers aiming to work abroad.
The BE&OE’s executive director told the committee that the bureau provides training to individuals before issuing these certifications, focusing on skill development to ensure workers are adequately prepared for their roles. This training is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to tailor assessments to each candidate’s background. The AI system customizes test questions based on an individual’s educational history and aptitude, aiming for a more accurate evaluation of their skills and qualifications.
The move comes as Pakistan continues to rely heavily on remittances from its diaspora, with over 11 million citizens working overseas. In fiscal year 2023-24, these expatriates sent home over USD 30.3 billion, a 10.7% increase from the previous year. The government is keen to facilitate safe and legal migration pathways, and the acceptance of BE&OE certifications across the EU represents a step in that direction.
The 27 EU member states where the certificates are now recognized are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
However, the news arrives against a backdrop of significant challenges for Pakistani migrant workers. Recent reports highlight the vulnerabilities faced by many, including exploitative recruitment practices, a lack of legal protections, and a concerningly high rate of imprisonment in host countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some 23,456 Pakistanis are currently incarcerated abroad, with the majority held in Saudi Arabia (12,456) and the United Arab Emirates (5,292).
The issue of overseas Pakistanis facing legal trouble has prompted increased scrutiny of recruitment agencies and migration processes. Investigations have revealed that a significant number of deportees – 1,460 individuals repatriated from countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar between 2019 and 2025 – are facing legal repercussions, including the cancellation of their passports and the addition of their names to the Passport Control List (PCL), effectively barring them from future travel. This action is being taken in response to rising international pressure regarding Pakistan’s image and concerns over involvement in criminal activities, including international begging syndicates.
The Pakistani government has responded with a policy of imposing five-year travel bans and registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against citizens deported from abroad for involvement in organized begging and other unlawful activities. This policy, announced in June 2025, aims to curb these illicit networks and address concerns raised by destination countries.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also introduced new regulations for Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment, though details of these regulations remain limited. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD) oversees labor migration and consular support, working to protect the rights of Pakistani workers overseas.
The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce recently convened on , to discuss export performance and broader economic matters, including trade deficit management and investment trends. While not directly related to the BE&OE certification announcement, the meeting underscored the government’s focus on strengthening economic resilience and expanding Pakistan’s export base, a goal intrinsically linked to the success of its overseas workforce.
The acceptance of BE&OE skill certificates in the EU represents a positive development, potentially opening doors for more Pakistani workers. However, It’s crucial that This represents coupled with robust measures to protect their rights, combat exploitation, and provide adequate consular support to those facing difficulties abroad. The ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani migrant workers highlight the need for continued reform of the country’s migration framework and closer cooperation with destination countries to ensure safe and legal migration pathways.
