Service
Complaint Cell
There are approximately 9 million Overseas Pakistanis living around the globe. The issues/problems of overseas Pakistanis working abroad vary from country to country. However, mostly the problems are work related in Middle Eastern/Gulf countries. In order to resolve the complaints of overseas Pakistanis; OPF Complaint Cell was established in June, 2001. The complaints are received through the following sources:
- Prime Minister’s Office
- Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & HRD
- Pak Missions Abroad
- OPs Grievance Cell Supreme Court of Pakistan
- Directly from the OPs through post, e-mail, fax, Online Complaints Management System and personal visits.
Register yourself on OPF web portal for launching complaints. Please click on button below.
Contact us 24/7 for Complaint and Feedback
Eligibility
- OPF registered members are eligible for services offered by OPF.
- Overseas Pakistanis who are not registered can obtain membership.
Procedure
Overseas Pakistanis are advised to submit their complaints with complete details and documentary proof as per area of jurisdiction pertaining to their complaints for early resolution of grievances to minimize time gap before initial action.
Achievements
During the year 2017, 1225 complaints have been registered with OPF for appropriate action and about 383 cases have been settled and rest are being pursued with concerned departments.
1. LAWYERS PANEL FOR OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS
- In order to speed up the process and provide relief to the Overseas Pakistanis in pursuing their cases, especially pertaining to illegal occupation of land by Qabza Groups/Land Mafia property disputes and family matters etc. OPF offer services of some well reputed, experienced and dynamic lawyers on OPF Lawyers’ Panel. The Overseas Pakistanis may contact these lawyers directly and mutually settle the terms and conditions for pursuing their cases and also inform OPF so that OPF will monitor these cases. The list of lawyers is available on the OPF website.
- Personal intervention by OPF officials to resolve the complaints.
2. NEW MEASURES
Keeping in view the needs of Overseas Pakistanis, Police Officers in 05 Divisions & Additional Commissioners in 09 Divisions have been nominated as focal persons in Punjab Province. Likewise Facilitation Centre for Overseas Pakistanis (FCOP) established at DCO Office Jhelum w.e.f. May 2014.
For AJ&K, the office of the Chief Secretary (AJK) at Islamabad has been declared as focal point which issues directives to Officers in 10 Districts being the focal persons.
For Sindh Province AIGP (Operation) Karachi and last but not least, in KPK, all Addl. Deputy Commissioners are the focal persons.
Lodge Complaint
Register yourself on OPF web portal for launching complaints. Please click on button below.
Complaint Status
Time Line for Complaints Cases
| Online Complaint Management System (OCMS) | |
|---|---|
| The complaints are being received from various quarters such as directly from Complainants and Pakistan’s mission aboard. These complaints are forwarded by OPF to various departments / agencies for disposal the complaints. | Within Twenty Working Days |
| Manual Complaint | |
| Receipt & Scrutiny of documents of manual complaints. | Within Ten working days |
| Data entry and dispatch of letter to the concerned authorities and complainants. | Within next Ten working days |
| Prime Minister Performance Delivery Units (PMDU) | |
| When the complaint is received from overseas Pakistanis, the complaint to be sent to the concerned departments/ agencies. The time line of resolving the complaint is adopted as per Prime Minister Citizen Portal Guideline. | Within Twenty Working Days |
Other Complaint Cells and Support Desk for Overseas Pakistanis
Click to view the detail of the following Facilitation Desk at Islamabad to facilitate valued overseas Pakistanis.
- Complaint Cell for Overseas Pakistanis in Capital Police, H-11, Islamabad
- Support Desk for Overseas Pakistanis at CDA G-7/2 , Islamabad.
- Support Desk for Overseas Pakistanis in the Citizens Facilitation Centre at Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICT) office G-11/4, Islamabad.
- Facilitation Desk at Islamabad Police Citizen Services Centre, F-6/1, Islamabad.
Service
Financial Assistance
The OPF Financial Aid Scheme was introduced in 1980-81 to provide financial assistance to the destitute families of Overseas Pakistanis in the event of death or permanent disability while working abroad, within a period of one year ,on a ‘first-come, first served’ basis.
This is one -time, non-refundable grant aimed at helping bereaved families to overcome their initial financial difficulties following the demise or disability of their earning members. Currently , OPF provides an amount of Rs. 400,000/- to the families of deceased Overseas Pakistanis and Rs. 300,000/- to disabled applicants.
Funeral Grant
The Welfare & Service Division provides a funeral grant to support deserving families of deceased overseas Pakistanis. OPF provides a funeral grant of Rs. 25,000/- to the families of deceased overseas Pakistanis who are members of OPF. This grant, is aimed at assisting destitute and needy families, which have to apply within one month after fulfilling the required criteria and the transportation of deceased’s body to Pakistan.
Eligibility
- The deceased and disabled Overseas Pakistani should be a registered member of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation. Following valid documents are required to check the eligibility criteria of applicants:-
- OPF Membership Card (Voluntary and Compulsory).
- Pakistani gets himself protected by the Protector of Emigrants by depositing Welfare Fund for employment abroad. Page of Passport where stamp and signature of the Protector of Emigrants are affixed will be considered as evidence for OPF Membership.
- Insurance Certificate issued by the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan duly attested by the Protector of Emigrants with Registration Number, date and Stamp should be acceptable as OPF Membership.
- If an intending Overseas Pakistani gets himself protected by the Protector of Emigrants and deposits Welfare Fund for employment abroad but dies in Pakistan prior to his departure abroad; his/her family or dependents are also entitled to avail the facility of financial aid.
- Cases of those registered overseas Pakistanis will be considered for grant of financial aid who died/became disabled while working abroad or within one year from the date of their return to Pakistan. The death/disability applications should be filed within the period of one years as per criteria given below.
a. In case of death/disability abroad, one year period will be considered from the date of mishap.
b. In case of death/disability within Pakistan, one year period will start from the date of return to Pakistan.
In-eligibility
- Cases received after the period of one year from the date of death or disability or from the date of permanent return to Pakistan.
- Tempered documents and incorrect information.
- Photocopy of prescribed application form is used.
- The following dependents of the deceased Overseas Pakistanis are in-eligible for grant of OPF Financial Aid.
- Re-Married Widow after the death of the deceased, at the time of receipt of payment.
- Adult Children. (Over 18 Years).
- Brother and Sisters of the deceased.
- Financially Sound Dependents. (Widow, Minors and Parents).
- If both husband and wife are OPF members only one time financial aid will be granted to the family, in case of death/disability of both the members.
- Partial disability or invisible disability.
- If parents of deceased are un-able to provide the concrete documentary evidence regarding the whereabouts/address/contact number or re-married status of the widow who initially applied for Financial Aid and the widow does not contact OPF for Six months for collection of Financial Aid then the granted amount /cheque issued will be cancelled after a period of six months with the approval of the Managing Director and said amount will be granted to other deserving applicant.
How to apply
ISSUANCE OF PRESCRIBED APPLICATION FORM
- Applicant should proceed to the OPF Head Office Islamabad or nearest Regional Office along with original Passport(s) of deceased, Death Certificate issued by host country and CNIC’s of deceased and applicant.
- An application form will be issued on provision of these documents.
REQUISITE DOCUMENTS
- Prescribed Application Form filled in all columns along with latest color passport size photograph duly attested.
- Photo copies of OPF Membership Card, or page of passport where stamp of Protector of Immigrant affixed or Insurance Certificate issued by the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan with number and stamp of Protector of Emigrants, Government of Pakistan.
- Photo copies of all passports of the deceased.
- Photocopies of CNIC/NICOP of deceased.
- Photocopies of CNIC of applicant (s).
- Photo copy of `B` Form of Minor and CNIC`s of adult dependents of deceased/applicant (s).
- Affidavit on stamp paper for monthly income of the applicant/family. (Duly signed by two witnesses and attested by Notary Public).
- Affidavit from widow regarding number of widows of deceased and that she has not re-married. (Duly signed by two witnesses and attested by Notary Public).
- Affidavit from parents regarding marital status of the deceased in case he/she is un-married. (Duly signed by two witnesses and attested by Notary Public/Oath Commissioner).
- Affidavit from the parents of deceased if their daughter-in-Law (widow) has re-married. (Duly signed by two witnesses and attested by Notary Public/Oath Commissioner).
- Death certificates issued by the host Country or Union Council/ Provincial Government.
- The concerned Specialist Doctor from a Government Hospital/ Institute clearly identifying the nature and level of present disability as well as improvement possibility in future.
- Disability Certificate from the Government of the Host Country will also be acceptable.
- At least two colored photograph (Post Card Size) showing the visible disability of the applicant.
ATTESTATION OF DOCUMENTS
- All documents should be attested by the Gazetted Officers/Secretary Union Council/Lumberdar.
- Affidavits should be attested by Oath Commissioner/Notary Public.
SUBMISSION OF PRESCRIBED APPLICATION FORM:
- Form filled in all respects along with the requisite documents duly attested should be submitted to the OPF Head Office (For residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal) or concerned Regional Office (Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Mirpur AJK).
Timelines for Financial Aid Cases
The timelines will be effective to provision of complete application along with requisite documents.
OPF Financial Aid Grant
| i. | Overseas Pakistanis and legitimate legal heir (s) visiting OPF Head Office and Regional Offices. | Application form will be issued within one hour subject to the provision of requisite documents. |
| ii. | Form along-with required documents are submitted by the applicant in the respective Regional Office. | Receipt will be issued within one hour. |
| iii. | Spot verification (if required) | Within 30 working days. |
| iv. | After completion of documentation and necessary verification, the case file is computerized. | 10 working days |
| v. | Distribution of cheque(s) through regional offices / section | As per schedule. |
Service
OPF Hospital
OPF had established eye hospital at D.G. Khan (Yaro Khaso) in 1994 to facilitate the patients of the families of overseas Pakistanis on priority. OPF Eye Hospital D. G. Khan have facility of 20 and 10 beds respectively.
The dependents of overseas Pakistanis are provided medical facilities on discounted rate as compare to general public.
Time Line for Complaints Cases
OPF EYE HOSPITAL D.G. KHAN
Patients are treated and operated upon comparatively at nominal rates and overseas Pakistanis and their dependents enjoy special discounts in these hospitals.
| NAME OF DOCTOR | NAME OF HOSPITAL | PHONE NO. | HOSPITAL TIMINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mohsin Shahzad Qadir, MBBS DOMS Incharge | OPF Eye Hospital, Tonsa Road, Near Cement Factory More, D.G. Khan | 0300 – 6787640 | 0800 to 1600 hours (Monday to Friday) |
In addition to own hospitals, OPF had signed MoUs with the following private hospitals through respective Regional Offices for provision of medical facility on discounted rates to Overseas Pakistanis and their dependents.
Service
Assistance in Repatriation of Overseas Pakistanis
Emergency Relief Cell (ERC) – Compensation to Kuwait-Iraq War Affectees
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation played a major role during Gulf War crisis in 1990. After the gulf war the task of compensation claims of the war affectees was assigned to the OPF by the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC). According to an estimated figure about 90,000 Pakistanis including their family members were living in Kuwait at the time of invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990. As a result of Gulf War, more than 60,000 Pakistani expatriates returned to Pakistan from Kuwait/Iraq. At the time of their arrival in Pakistan, camps were established by the OPF at Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Taftan border to facilitate such war affectees. These affectees were paid cash, amounting to Rs. 6,000/- to each earning member at the time of their arrival to meet in land travel expenses. For this purpose, OPF contributed Rs. 50 millions.
44,538 war affectees filed claims, which were later submitted to UNCC by OPF for further processing and grant of compensation to claimants. Out of these 44,295 claims of category A, B, C, D, E & F were approved amounting to US$ 314.792 million and distributed accordingly. Subsequently, 2067 late claims were submitted to UNCC, against which 830 Claims of category A&C were approved and an amount of US$ 12.71 million & distributed accordingly. The role played by OPF in this regard was highly appreciated by the UNCC authorities.
Yemen Crisis
During the political crisis of Yemen in 1994, about 336 Pakistani expatriates were received and provided all possible assistance by OPF at Karachi and were transported to their respective destinations. An amount of Rs. 0.5 million was spent in this regard.
Jordan Crisis
In 1999-2000 about 224 stranded Pakistanis were repatriated to Pakistan due to strict regulations imposed by Jordanian Govt. An amount of US$ 64,000 was spent by OPF on the repatriation of such Pakistanis. At the time of their arrival in Pakistan OPF staff received them at various airports and provided all possible assistance.
Repatriation of Children
OPF also provided assistance in the repatriation of 23 children whose parents were caught in Saudi Arabia while smuggling illegal drugs and were sentenced to death as per Saudi laws. These children were received by OPF staff and were finally handed over to their relatives.
Camel Jockeys
OPF also played an important role in the repatriation of those children who by any means were transported to Gulf countries for camel races (known as jockey children). 335 such children were repatriated and handed over to their parents.
Repatriation of Stranded Pakistanis from Libya 2011
Approximately, 5996 overseas Pakistanis from Libya had been repatriated at various airports in Pakistan through special chartered and commercial flights on account of political unrest in Libya since March 2011. These Pakistanis were received and assisted by OPF Airport Facilitation Counter staff in coordination with the officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs at various airports of Pakistan.
OPF provided inland transportation facility to deserving overseas Pakistanis through buses/train who did not have any source of payment for their onward journey to their hometowns. Consequently, 1870 overseas Pakistanis were provided bus/train tickets by officials deputed at OPF Facilitation Counters at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar airport for their onward inland travel to destinations in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. An approximate amount of Rs 1.6 million was spent by OPF on provision of inland transportation facility on need basis.
Evacuation of Overseas Pakistanis from Yemen – 2015
Pursuant to the directive of the Prime Minister, the Government of Pakistan is making all necessary arrangements for immediate evacuation of Pakistani community members from Yemen. Approximately, 1037overseas Pakistanis from Yemen have been repatriated at Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi airports through special PIA flights and Pakistan Navy.
As a result, 605 overseas Pakistanis from the special PIA flights/Pakistan Navy Vessel were provided bus tickets by officials deputed at OPF Facilitation Counters at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports for their onward inland travel to their destinations in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Repatriation of Stranded Pakistanis from Libya 2014
OPF was assigned the role to provide necessary facilitation to evacuees from Libya on their arrival at the International Airports in Pakistan. Approximately, 2762 overseas Pakistanis from Libya had been repatriated through 10 special flights at Lahore airport. OPF provided inland transportation facility to 584 deserving overseas Pakistanis through buses who did not have any source of payment for their onward journey to their hometowns.
Repatriation of Pakistani Workers from Saudi Arabia 2016-17
So far 3349 number of Pakistani workers from Saudi Arabia have arrived at Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore. Out of these workers 2965 have been provided assistance by OPF for travel to their destinations from Airport to their hometown and Rs. 10 (Million) approximately has been paid so far.
Flood Relief Camp at Muzaffargarh
In 1992 the southern Punjab was hit by severe floods which rendered than 500 thousand peoples homeless. OPF on the direction of the than Federal Minister established relief camps for immediate help of the flood affected. 14 truckloads of beddings and eatables were distributed amongst the affected peoples.
Relief Camp at Dadar & Buner
In 2000 on account of heavy rains in Northern Areas of the country relief operations were carried out in vast area of Dadar, Buner, Balakot, Mahandri and Kohistan. Relief goods consisting of eatables and bedding were distributed amongst the affected families.
Earthquake Relief Operations 2005
A catastrophic earthquake jolted the country on October 08, 2005 which resulted in immense destruction and heavy loss of lives. A relief grant of Rs.01 crore was deposited in the presidents Relief Fund and goods worth Rs.08 million were distributed in affected areas.
Relief Goods for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to Military Operation
On the directive of the Honorable Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development relief goods were distributed amongst the families of Overseas Pakistanis living in relief camps and host families at District Swabi and Mardan , due to recent military operation in Swat, Buner and Lower Dir. Relief goods (foods & non-food items) amounting to Rs.01 million were distributed among 300 IDPs families at UC Shera Ghund, Swabi and District Mardan.
Assistance for Displaced People of Gilgit-Baltistan Due To Landslide at Attabad
The landslide at the village of Attabad, about 30km (18 miles) north-east of the town of Aliabad, Gilgit-Baltistan occurred during January 2010 that killed 20 and left about 25,000 people stranded when the river was blocked. The landslide caused debris to block the River Hunza, which in turn prevented water from flowing downstream and created what is now referred to as Attabad Lake. Relief goods (Tents) amounting to Rs.0.5 million were distributed among IDPs families.
Flood Relief Operation 2010
OPF launched Relief Operation in the flood affected areas of Pakistan. The main aim of relief efforts initiated by OPF was to provide relief to the families of overseas Pakistanis affected due to floods. OPF had established Relief Camps in Multan, D.G.Khan, Muzaffargarh, Kandhkot and Quetta where flood affectee families were housed. Besides Relief Camps food/non-food items, medicines and items of basic necessity were also distributed amongst the displaced families in Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat and Dera Murad Jamali. An amount of Rs. 08 million had been incurred by OPF on flood relief operation.
Financial assistance for earthquake affected overseas Pakistanis and their families in district Awaran, Baluchistan
A devastating earthquake with the magnitude 7.7 took place in the evening of 24 September 2013 in Awaran, Baluchistan. The earthquake took a death toll of about 825 people and several hundreds were injured. The district of Awaran was damaged severely and about 80% homes were either collapsed or destroyed. In view of the catastrophe, OPF decided to come forward and provide financial assistance to overseas Pakistanis in this time of need. 102 overseas Pakistanis belonging to Awaran District, Baluchistan have been provided with compensation amounting to Rs. 2.55 million (@ Rs. 25,000 each)
Repatriation of Pakistanis National from Sudan in 2023:
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) assisted in the repatriation of Pakistani nationals from Sudan in 2023. The operation was conducted in response to the armed conflict that erupted in Sudan in April 2023, creating severe humanitarian crisis. OPF provided. Support in areas such as logistics, accommodation, and post-repatriation assistance. Special efforts were made to ensure the welfare of the returnees, including addressing their immediate needs upon arrival in Pakistan. A total of 968 Pakistanis were successfully repatriated, and Rs.7 million was disbursed as assistance to 729 individuals.
Repatriation of Pakistani Students Stranded in Bishkek Crisis 2024
The OPF has assisted 402 evacuated students with inland travel expenses of Rs.5,000 each, amounting to an overall expenditure of approximately Rs. 5.7 million on meals, travel expenses, and transportation from airports to train/bus terminals.
Service
Foreign Employement Dues/Compensation
Recovery of Dues/Compensation
Nature of Dues
The Dues Section deals for recovery of outstanding end services benefits of repatriated and expired Pakistani workers, who have served abroad under legal and lawful status. It includes salary, gratuity, death compensation, blood money, business assets and insurance claims. The death means natural, unnatural i.e. Murder and traffic accident etc.
Procedure
The applicant or legal heirs submit complete necessary documents regarding their claim in OPF office , which are processed with concerned Pak Mission. The Missions further take up that cases with concerned quarters under protect for maturity and realization of claims.
Requirements
The following documents are required along with nature of application to initiate dues and compensation cases with employers through Pakistani Missions abroad.
- Copy of Passport showing legal status of Overseas Pakistanis
- Copy of Foreign Service agreement
- Copies of CNIC / NICOP / POC
- Copy of Aqama (Residential permit)
- Copy of Insurance Card
- Copies of death / disability certificate ( In case of death / disability of an OPs)
- Embalming Certificate
- Police Report / postmortem report ( in case of murder)
- NOC issued by Pakistani Mission
- Details of Bank accounts
- Court Order, if any
- Names of legal heirs
- Supporting documents of unpaid dues
Procedure
- A Succession Certificate would be required in case of death of an overseas Pakistani from the Civil Court of competent jurisdiction, certifying the legal heirs of deceased. The names, ages, and relationship with the deceased of all the legal heirs and their shares should explicitly be described in the Succession Certificate.
- Succession Certificate would not be required for Saudi Arabia, if the amount of compensation is less than SR-10,000/- (Ten thousand Saudi Riyals). However, an undertaking or affidavit would be required from legal heirs. The legal heirs may nominate a person of their confidence in host country of deceased to pursue his / her death dues / compensation cases by executing a Special Power of Attorney in his / he favour. All the legal heirs mentioned in the Succession Certificate may nominate their attorney individually or jointly.
- In absence of relative / trustworthy person in host country, the legal heirs may authorize the Pakistani Mission by executing Special Power of Attorney in favour of Vice Consul (Welfare), Consulate General of Pakistan, Community Welfare Attaché (CWA) or any other authorized officer to pursue the case vigorously, as the case may be.
- Guardianship Certificate would be required from the Civil Court of competent jurisdiction in case of minor legal heirs. The Guardian should have a right to authorize the Attorney as stated above on behalf of the minor children for the pursuance of case in host country.
- Cases for Saudi Arabia &UAE require documentation both in English and Arabic, bearing attestation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad or any of its Camp office in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Royal Saudi Embassy Islamabad or any of its Consulate General in Pakistan according to the needs of the cases.
- General Organization of Social Insurance (GOSI) authorities in Saudi Arabia correspond directly with the legal heirs as per their policy and do not entertain any request routed through OPF and Embassy / Consulate of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia for realization of insurance claim. Request / application for insurance claim may be sent directly via email ([email protected]).
- Such nature of cases with other countries of the world will be processed according to their prescribed rules and procedures under the instructions of Pakistani Missions. However, all legal documents need attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad or any of its Camp Office i.e. Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.
- Upon the maturity or realization of cases, bank drafts for dues and compensations are received through the Pakistani Missions, issued in the name of OPF. The OPF processes these bank drafts and disburses the funds to the legal heirs after conducting proper verification in accordance with the Succession Certificate or undertaking/affidavit. Payments are made via direct credit to the account(s) of the legal heir(s) according to the legal documents.
- Those bank drafts, issued on the name of legal heirs are disbursed directly among them by the OPF Head Office or through its Regional Offices at Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Mirpur AJK after conducting proper verification and fulfilling required formalities according to legal documents.
- Personal identification of legal heirs is verified by their CNIC / NICOP / POC in presence of two witnesses along with their CNIC. One coloured photograph is affixed on the receipts before handing over the bank drafts to the legal heirs.
- Original receipts along with CNIC of legal heirs and two witnesses are sent to respective Pakistani Missions for their record or onward submission to concerned employers, court and insurance company etc. Photocopies of all such documents are placed in the concerned file for record to declare the case settled.
- Diyat (blood money) cases in Saudi Arabia are pursued by a local law firm, namely ‘M/s Azzer Law Firm,’ to facilitate the recovery of blood money for overseas Pakistanis on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, with a 4% legal fee payable from the recovered Diyat amount
Timeline for Processing of Dues Cases
DUES SECTION
Dues recovery of the deceased & disabled overseas Pakistanis from the abroad is carried out according to the following timeline: –
| 1. | Receipt & Scrutiny of documents relating to end of service benefits / death compensation etc. according to check list | Within Ten working days |
| 2. | Data entry and dispatch of letter to concerned Pak mission and legal heirs / applicants | Within next Ten working days |
| 3. | Dispatch to Pak Mission | By Diplomatic Bag |
NOTE: Dues cases are sent to Pak mission abroad through Foreign Office Bag Section according to schedule i.e. Weekly, Fortnightly and Monthly.
Service
Vocational Training
As per Memorandum and Article of Association, OPF was “to establish, maintain or aid vocational training institutions for providing training in such trades as are in demand overseas”. In order to achieve such objectives OPF launched Vocational Training Program in 1980 and arranged training activity through establishment of its own institutions in various parts of the country. About 60,000 young energetic persons were trained in various marketable skills (Earth Moving / Construction Machinery, Electrician, RAC, Tracer, Civil Draftsman, Quantity Surveyor, Electronics /TV Mechanic, Carpenter, Masson, Plumber, Welder / Steel fixer and IT skills. Vocational Training Institutes were closed in the year 2006. Keeping in view the greater demand of skilled workers abroad, OPF Vocational Training Program was reactivated and training commenced w.e.f. 1st July, 2013, at VTC Peshawar, on the advice of OPF BOG, where training is being imparted in two trades Electrician and Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning.
The main business of VTC is to prepare students upto the standards of international market in vocational training institute in such trades which are job oriented overseas. OPF vocational Training Institute adopt all marketing means to attract students to enroll in Vocational Training Institute, Peshawar
Brief
During the meeting of BOG held on 03-05-2013 the matter again came under discussion. After detailed deliberations, the BOG resolved to re-activate OPF Vocational Training Centre (VTC, Peshawar in OPF’s own building. Since reactivation of OPF Vocational Training Program in July, 2013, about 276 persons have been trained till 5th August, 2016, through OPF direct Vocational Training Program, Partially funded by FATA Development Authority (FDA) & National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). In addition to that, about 211 persons were also trained in collaboration with other institutes such as Technology Up-gradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). Currently training in only two trades i.e. Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning and Electrician is being imparted at OPF VTC Peshawar.
On 1st December, 2016 the Training Division was renamed as “Research, Training & Policy Reforms Division (RTPR)” will works on two directions simultaneously i.e. conducting Research on issues/policies related to diaspora and development of the organization. The core objectives are to analyze changing role of Pakistani Diaspora, compiling profiles of prominent Overseas Pakistanis, establishment of OPF library and joint research with different think-tanks and international organizations.
VTC Peshawar Building
Achievements
| PERIOD OF OPERATION | NAME OF OPF TRAINING INSTITUTION / OTHER TRAINING INSTITUTE | NAME OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM | NUMBER OF TRAINEES TRAINED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-2000 | OPF Polytrade Schools (PTSs), Karachi, Islamabad, Swat, Peshawar, Mirpur, Kotli (AJK) and Chakwal. | OPF Regular Vocational Training Program, Prime Minister’s Special Training Program. | 57,000 |
| 1994-1996 | Vocational Training School Projects: Khangarh, Layyah, Hafizabad, Dherki, Rattodero, Gawadar and Faqirwali. | ||
| 2001-2006 | OPF Polytrade Schools (PTSs) Peshawar, Swat and IT Centre Quetta. | Revamped OPF Vocational Training Program. | 2000 |
| 2003 | National University of Modern languages (NUML), Islamabad. Pakistan Institutes of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad. | Capacity Building Program for Trained Nurses. | 179 |
| February,2005 – April,2005 | Construction Machinery Training Institute (CMTI) Rawalpindi. | Training for Earth Moving Machinery Operator. | 60 |
| July,2013 February 2018 | OPF Vocational Training Centre, Peshawar | Direct Training Program, Collaborative Training Program with NAVTCC, FDA and TUSDEC. | 487 |
| March 2018 to November 2024 | OPF Vocational Training Centre, Peshawar | Two Trades i.e.
Electrician | 187 |
| Grand Total | 59,913 | ||
Service
Sohni Dharti Remittance Program
ATTENTION OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS:
SOHNI DHARTI REMITTANCE PROGRAM INAUGURATED BY PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2021.
Sohni Dharti Remittance Program launched by Ministry of Finance in collaboration with State Bank of Pakistan, Commercial Banks and Public Sector Departments encouraging non-Resident Pakistanis to use formal remittance channels to send money and earn reward points to avail exciting privileges exclusively for remittance sender and receiver..
Sohni Dharti Remittance Program has replaced Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC) scheme
Service
Ambulance Service
OPF provides free ambulance service for transportation of the dead bodies of overseas Pakistanis from all international airports of Pakistan to their native towns. The transportation of dead body of an overseas Pakistani is usually the contractual obligation of the employer or the company where an individual is employed. If the employer refuses to bear the cost of transportation of dead body and the family’s financial position is not good, then concerned Pakistan Mission abroad use to undertake the responsibility to transport the dead bodies. PIA transport dead bodies of Overseas Pakistanis free of cost from where it is operating as a result of efforts of OPF.
Procedure
- The legal heirs may authorize a person of their confidence in that particular country to pursue the transportation of dead body case by executing an Attorney.The attorneys obtain NOC from Consulate / Embassy. The following information is required by OPF for transportation of dead bodies.
- Flight No.
- Date of departure.
- Time of arrival.
- Contact number of person in Pakistan who coordinates with OPF officials.
- Complete Address of deceased of native town.
- OPF Contact number UAN-111-040-040
Service
Airport Facilitation
One Window Facilitation Desks (OWFDs)
OPF One Window Facilitation Desks (OWFDs) established at all International Airports in Pakistan. OWFDs are located at each terminal (International arrival/departure) for the assistance of overseas Pakistani passenger’s round the clock.
Courteous and trained officials deputed at OWFDs ensure provision of high quality of facilitation and assistance to overseas Pakistanis. Existing infrastructure at OWFDs has been upgraded. Besides additional facilities, the service delivery at facilitation counters at various airports has also been improved with added staff/services.
Funcations of OWDs
- Necessary assistance to the overseas Pakistanis at the time of arrival and departure.
- Coordination among the various agencies/departments functioning at the airport to ensure smooth arrival and departure of overseas Pakistani passengers.
- Special assistance to overseas Pakistanis who are physically challenged, senior citizen and passengers not maintaining good health.
- Assistance in lost and found baggage and for improvement in services/complaints at airports, these counters are contacted.
- Necessary guidance is also provided to overseas Pakistanis for their connecting flights and travel advisory for their destinations within Pakistan.
- Information material about OPF and its projects/schemes at all international arrival/departure lounges.
- OPF also extends all possible help and provides facility of ambulance service, free of cost, from airport to deceased/ disabled OPs native town/ village. OPF staff deputed at airports facilitates deceased’s family in clearance of human remains and coordinates with ambulance for its timely transportation.
- OPF Airport Facilitation counters remain vigilant to any repatriation of overseas Pakistanis from abroad and extends every possible assistance for their onward journey to their home towns.
Airport Counters
| Sr. No. | Airport | Establishment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad 0332-8599590 | 19-05-2015 |
| 2 | Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore 042-99240419 | 09-07-2015 |
| 3 | Jinnah International Airport, Karachi 021-34587651 021-99071509 | 06-08-2015 |
| 4 | Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar 0333-9373073 | 31-08-2015 |
| 5 | Quetta International Airport, Quetta 081-9241099 | 15-10-2015 |
| 6 | Multan International Airport, Multan 061-9202591 | 23-12-2015 |
| 7 | Sialkot International Airport, Sialkot 0345-6698194 | 09-02-2016 |
| 8 | Faisalabad International Airport, Faisalabad 0301-2540374 | 15-07-2016 |
| 9 | Gawadar Airport, Gawadar 0334-2423639 | |
| 10 | Turbat Airport, Turbat 0333-2028090 |
Names of Agencies
- Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF)
- Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC)
- National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA)
- Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
- Airport Security Force (ASF)
- Pakistan International Airline (PIA)
- Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)/Customs
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BO&OE)
- Anti Narcotics Force (ANF)