Quetta Chamber urges Pakistan to issue work permits for skilled Afghan refugees amid labor shortages

The Quetta Chamber of Commerce urges Pakistan to issue work permits for skilled Afghan workers, highlighting the impact on Balochistan’s economy.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Quetta has urged the government of Pakistan to issue work permits to skilled Afghan refugees engaged in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and other industries.

The request aims to address the growing labor shortage in the region, particularly in Balochistan. According to reports from Dawn newspaper on Wednesday, April 23, this shortage is exacerbated by the lack of skilled workers coming from other regions due to security concerns.

Akhtar Kakar, the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted that skilled workers from outside the region are reluctant to move to Balochistan due to the prevailing security situation. As a result, Afghan workers have become integral to various industries in the area, particularly in agriculture and mining. The government’s plan to expel Afghan refugees has caused concern about the impact on these sectors.

Kakar emphasized that the decision to expel Afghan refugees has had a severe effect on Balochistan’s economy. Many sectors, including agriculture, mining, and industry, rely heavily on Afghan labor. Without these workers, the functioning of these industries is at risk, which could lead to further economic instability in the region.

Since September 2023, over 844,000 Afghan nationals have been expelled from Pakistan, a move that has raised alarms across various sectors. The government has announced that all undocumented migrants must leave Pakistan by April 30, 2025. This deadline has prompted urgent calls from local businesses and industry leaders for a reconsideration of the expulsion policy, especially given its potential economic consequences.

The ongoing situation highlights a significant challenge for both Afghan refugees and the Pakistani economy. As a solution, there is a pressing need for dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and balanced approach to managing the refugee crisis while supporting key sectors of the economy.

Looking ahead, Pakistan’s decision on Afghan refugees could have long-term implications for regional stability and economic growth. The government may need to explore options such as offering legal status to skilled refugees to prevent labor shortages and support economic recovery.

The demand for skilled Afghan workers in Balochistan and other regions underlines the importance of a more strategic approach to managing refugee populations. Ensuring that the expulsion policy does not disrupt essential industries will require careful planning and coordination.

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