Unemployment in Pakistan has reached a critical stage. For millions of young people, finding a job within the country has become nearly impossible. Naturally, many look toward overseas employment as a way to secure a dignified livelihood. Unfortunately, even when legitimate international opportunities exist, Pakistani youth are often unable to benefit, not because of lack of merit, but because of systemic failure at home.
One of the clearest examples of this failure is Pakistan’s handling of the Employment Permit System (EPS) of South Korea.
What Is the EPS System?
The Employment Permit System (EPS) is a transparent, merit-based, state-to-state employment program run by the Government of South Korea. Under this system, South Korea issues E-9 work visas to workers from 17 approved countries, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and others.
Every year, Pakistan is allocated approximately 6,000 to 7,000 slots under this program. This means that thousands of Pakistani workers can legally secure jobs in South Korea annually without paying agents, bribes, or illegal fees.
This is not a private or agent-based scheme. It is a government-to-government program designed to eliminate exploitation and ensure transparency.
The Role of OEC in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the responsibility of managing the EPS system lies with the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC). Its duties include:
- Coordinating with South Korean authorities
- Conducting tests and assessments
- Completing documentation
- Submitting applications within deadlines
- Facilitating language preparation and compliance
If this process works efficiently, thousands of Pakistanis can secure lawful employment abroad every year.
Where the System Fails
Despite the availability of quotas and demand from South Korea, hundreds and often thousands of Pakistani applicants fail to receive E-9 visas every year. The primary reason is not rejection by South Korea, but Pakistan’s failure to complete and submit documentation on time.
Delays, mismanagement, poor coordination, and bureaucratic inefficiency result in missed deadlines. When filings are not submitted on time, quotas go unused, and opportunities are lost forever.
As a result, deserving candidates remain unemployed, while other countries successfully fill their quotas.
Merit vs Agent Culture
In Pakistan, many workers are forced to rely on agents for overseas jobs. This often involves:
- Multiple office visits
- False promises
- Payments running into hundreds of thousands of rupees
- High risk of fraud
In contrast, the EPS system is purely merit-based, transparent, and free from exploitation. It is exactly the kind of system Pakistan should be protecting and strengthening, yet it remains poorly managed.
Why This Matters for Pakistan
If properly implemented, the EPS program can:
- Provide employment to thousands of Pakistani youth
- Increase foreign remittances
- Reduce unemployment pressure
- Improve Pakistan’s global labor reputation
- Prevent illegal migration and fraud
This is not just about jobs, it is about dignity, trust, and national benefit.
A Call to Authorities
This issue has persisted for over a year, despite repeated public awareness efforts. It is time for:
- The Government of Pakistan
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis
- Relevant oversight bodies
to take immediate action and reform the OEC’s handling of the EPS system.
With proper coordination and accountability, Pakistan can ensure that its youth are not deprived of opportunities that are rightfully theirs.
Final Words
Pakistan does not lack talent or hardworking youth. What it lacks is an efficient system that delivers opportunities on time. The EPS system is a golden chance, but only if it is managed responsibly.
This issue deserves national attention. Share it, discuss it, and raise your voice so that those in power can no longer ignore it.