MUSCAT: Pakistani skilled workers may have a new opportunity to work in Oman as the Gulf country has agreed to consider easing restrictions on the arrival of skilled workers from Punjab.
The development came during a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi, in Muscat.
According to a statement issued by the Punjab government on Tuesday, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, aquaculture and other sectors.
The Omani minister acknowledged the continued demand for skilled workers in the country and said Pakistani youth possess valuable skills and capabilities.
He assured the Punjab chief minister that skilled workers from Punjab would be welcomed in sectors including construction, agriculture, aquaculture and other fields.
The Omani side also agreed to share information with Punjab regarding demand for skilled workers in various sectors.
Maryam Nawaz had proposed measures to remove restrictions on the arrival of skilled workers from Punjab to Oman. According to the Punjab government, the Omani minister agreed to consider the proposal to lift the visa restrictions.
Cooperation in Agriculture and Livestock
During the meeting, Pakistan and Oman also agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and livestock.
The Omani minister offered support for establishing Punjab’s first shrimp centre, while both sides agreed to explore measures to increase livestock exports for the dairy and meat sectors.
Maryam Nawaz also offered to facilitate meat exports from Punjab to Muscat.
Focus on Skilled Youth
The Punjab chief minister said thousands of young people had already received training under the province’s skills development programmes according to market requirements.
She said Pakistan’s youth represent a valuable national asset and that young people are being provided with modern technical and vocational training in different sectors.
Maryam Nawaz said millions of young people in Punjab were being trained according to the requirements of local and international job markets.
She added that the skills and capabilities of Pakistani youth are recognised internationally and that the provincial government is working to equip them with training aligned with modern industry needs.
The potential easing of visa restrictions could provide additional employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers seeking jobs in Oman.
