Govt Has Mechanism To Repatriate Bodies Of Pakistani Workers Who Die Abroad: Minister Of State For Overseas Pakistanis Mohammad Awn Saqlain – UrduPoint
The government has a mechanism in place to repatriate the bodies of Pakistani workers who die abroad, as stated by Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Mohammad Awn Saqlain. This process is facilitated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on flights where available.
799 bodies of Pakistani workers have been reported over the past two years, with the actual number of deaths higher. These figures are specific to workers in countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf and European states.
The government offers compensation of up to $1 million for eligible workers’ deaths or disabilities, according to the applicable mechanism. PIA continues to transport bodies from countries where it operates. For places where PIA doesn’t operate, the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and other officials arrange repatriation through alternative means.
The minister explained that bodies are brought to Pakistan through other airlines and organizations, building on PIA’s previous practice of transporting such bodies free of cost.
In response to questions:
- The government has increased pension-related facilities for overseas Pakistani workers, with details to be shared separately.
- Annual reviews result in increases of 13-15% in facilities, depending on their nature.
- Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) are deployed in Gulf and European countries to assist Pakistani workers and address their issues.
- CWAs maintain records of cases involving accidents, prisoners, and other difficulties. A committee examines matters where workers are imprisoned or fined, arranging payments to secure their release.
- The government has established a compensation mechanism through the OPF for workers who suffer accidents or disabilities.
