Islamabad, A new initiative, the National Skills Passport, is set to revolutionize how Pakistani migrant workers’ qualifications and skills are recognized, offering them enhanced opportunities for decent employment both locally and internationally. This digital portfolio system aims to systematically document a worker’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experiences, encompassing both formal and informal learning.
According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, a collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO), Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development (MOPHRD), was introduced at a consultation event in Islamabad. the National Skills Passport is integrated with the Recognition of Prior Learning platform, which assesses, certifies, and recognizes competencies gained through informal channels. This effort is part of the ILO’s governance of Labour Migration in South and Southeast Asia (GOALS) project, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Majyd Aziz, Former President of the EFP, highlighted the National Skills Passport as more than just a card—it’s a comprehensive digital portfolio for individuals seeking quality employment opportunities both domestically and abroad. He expressed gratitude for the ILO’s technical support in pioneering this and other innovative approaches in Pakistan. ILO Country Director Geir Tonstol commended the Pakistani government for its measures to protect migrant workers’ rights, including digital registration and welfare programs. He emphasized the growing demand for skilled labor, particularly in countries hosting a significant number of Pakistani migrant workers, underscoring the importance of equipping these individuals with skills aligned with international labor market demands.
EFP Director Hasnain Mazhar and Secretary General Syed Nazar Ali provided a multimedia presentation on the user-friendly operation of the National Skills Passport. They acknowledged the unique nature of this project for Pakistan and thanked various supporting organizations, including ILO, NAVTTC, MOPHRD, and NADRA.
The event also featured a panel discussion with Senator Rukhsana Zuberi and experts from Pakistan and other countries, focusing on the skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling of potential and returning migrant workers.