Oman has agreed to consider a proposal from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ease restrictions on the arrival of skilled workers from Punjab, potentially opening new employment opportunities for Pakistani workers in the Gulf country.
The proposal was discussed during Maryam Nawaz’s meeting with Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi, in Muscat.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Punjab and Oman in several areas, including agriculture, fisheries, livestock, aquaculture and skilled employment.
The Omani minister acknowledged that the country continues to have a strong demand for skilled workers. He also said Pakistani youth have valuable skills and talent that could contribute to different sectors of Oman’s economy.
According to a handout issued by the Punjab government, Oman is prepared to welcome skilled workers from Punjab in sectors such as construction, agriculture and aquaculture, among other fields.
The Omani side also agreed to provide Punjab with information about the demand for skilled labour in different economic sectors. Such information could help Pakistani workers better understand the types of jobs and skills currently required in Oman.
Maryam Nawaz proposed measures aimed at removing or easing restrictions affecting skilled workers from Punjab seeking employment in Oman. The Omani minister agreed to consider the proposal, according to the Punjab government.
If restrictions are eased, the development could create additional employment pathways for skilled Pakistani workers looking toward the Gulf region.
Pakistan has a large pool of workers with experience in construction, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and other technical fields. Greater coordination between Punjab and Oman could help connect workers with sectors facing labour shortages.
The discussions were not limited to employment. Punjab and Oman also agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and livestock, potentially creating opportunities for trade and technical collaboration.
Oman has also offered assistance in establishing Punjab’s first shrimp centre. The initiative could support the development of aquaculture and shrimp production in the province.
Aquaculture has growing economic importance because it can contribute to food production, employment and exports. Technical cooperation with Oman could provide Punjab with additional expertise in developing this sector.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz also highlighted Punjab’s potential to supply meat to the Omani market.
She said Punjab was prepared to export high-quality meat to Oman at competitive international market rates. Increased meat exports could provide another avenue for expanding economic ties between the two sides.
The discussions come as Pakistan continues to explore opportunities for its skilled workforce in Gulf countries. For Pakistani workers, access to overseas employment can provide opportunities for higher incomes while also generating remittances for the country’s economy.
However, any change in Oman’s worker restrictions would depend on further discussions, approvals and the implementation of relevant employment procedures.
For now, the agreement to consider easing restrictions represents a potential step toward greater labour and economic cooperation between Punjab and Oman.
Further details about the sectors requiring workers, recruitment procedures and any changes to existing restrictions are expected to become clearer as consultations between the two sides continue.
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