Saudi ambassador assures 24-Hour visa facilitation for Pakistani Workers
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has assured Pakistan of full cooperation in issuing visas to Pakistani workers within 24 hours, while pledging support to address issues faced by Pakistani nationals working in the Kingdom.
The assurance was given by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami during a meeting with Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations, problems faced by Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia and opportunities to expand employment prospects for the Pakistani workforce in the Kingdom.
As per reports, during the meeting, the Saudi ambassador assured that all possible facilities would be extended to Pakistani workers and cooperation would be provided to facilitate visa issuance within 24 hours.
He also pledged support for resolving the concerns of Pakistanis residing and working in Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, the ambassador appreciated the courage and sacrifices of the Pakistani people, particularly recalling a 2009 incident in which a Pakistani citizen risked his life to save 14 Saudi nationals.
However, Chaudhry Salik Hussain stressed the need to increase employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia. He said Pakistan should prepare its workforce through advanced training aligned with the changing requirements of the Saudi labour market.
He also emphasised timely information-sharing on workforce demand and the skills Saudi employers require.
Therefore, both sides agreed to establish a joint working group to ensure prompt resolution of workers’ issues, strengthen institutional cooperation and promote human resource development.
The federal minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia and continuing cooperation for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.
