The Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Quetta, has called on the federal government to grant work permits to skilled Afghan refugees employed in key sectors like mining, agriculture, and industry. The chamber suggested that these permits could be issued under the assurance of local stakeholders to address the growing labor shortage in the province.
Read more:Repatriation of Afghan refugees accelerates via Balochistan
Haji Akhtar Kakar, Vice President of BCCI, emphasized the urgency of this matter during a recent discussion with farmers, industrialists, and mine owners from various regions of Balochistan. He warned that the ongoing shortage of skilled labor might worsen if no immediate action is taken.
Traditionally, Balochistan has relied on skilled labor from other provinces. However, deteriorating security in the region has discouraged workers from other provinces from relocating to Balochistan. This has left local businesses increasingly reliant on Afghan workers.
Haji Akhtar pointed out that recent decisions to expel Afghan refugees have severely impacted key sectors like agriculture, mining, and industry, as a substantial portion of the workforce comprised skilled Afghan refugees. He urged the government to reconsider its stance to protect the region’s economy from further disruption.
