ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Ms. Javaria Zafar Aheer on Wednesday said that Diplomatic Mission of Pakistan is in continuous contact with Saudi government for release of Pakistani prisoners there as announced during interaction between heads of two countries in recent past.

Responding to a question here in National Assembly, she said that Foreign office is playing its role and the process for the release of prisoners has started owing serious efforts of the current government.

About government policy for overseas employment of Pakistanis in Pakistan, she said that overseas employment is being regulated through Emigration Ordinance, 1979 and rules made there under.

She said that Ministry is in process of formulation of “National Emigration and Welfare Policy for Overseas Pakistanis” having the scope to promote overseas employment, welfare of overseas Pakistanis and their families and reintegration of return migrants to Pakistan.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that Pakistan has bilaterally signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in the fields of manpower and employment with Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Oman and Malaysia etc.

She said that further efforts are underway to sign MoUs with Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and other potential labor receiving countries.

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