There is encouraging news for Pakistanis working abroad, as the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has directed the government to set up new “Protector Offices” within this financial year. These offices handle important documentation for people going overseas on job visas, and the move is expected to make the process easier, faster, and more transparent.
The committee met under the chairmanship of Syed Rafiullah to review the performance of different departments, including the Bureau of Emigration, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, the FIA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials informed the committee that the new offices had not yet been launched due to staff shortages and budget problems. The committee rejected these explanations and ordered that the offices must be made operational before the year ends.
One of the major instructions from the committee was to fully digitize the protector-service system. They directed the authorities to link the system with NADRA so identity verification becomes easier and the role of middlemen can be reduced. The committee stressed that technology should be used to make services more transparent and accessible for overseas workers.
The committee also pushed for a faster rollout of the “E-Protector” online system. So far, around 60,000 people have used it, but the committee believes that many more job visa holders could benefit if they were properly informed. They recommended awareness campaigns through text messages, social media, and local community outreach to ensure emigrants know they can use the service without relying on agents.
Members of the committee also focused on improving transparency. They said all payments must be made through official banking channels or approved digital platforms, so there is no room for fraud. They also called for an online tracking system for applications, verified receipts for payments, and a proper mechanism for registering and resolving complaints.
These steps aim to make government services more efficient and to protect Pakistani workers from exploitation. The committee emphasized that overseas Pakistanis contribute greatly to the country’s economy, and it is the government’s responsibility to support and safeguard them through better systems and stronger regulation.
