The Punjab government has launched the Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Naujawan Parwaaz Card to help skilled youth go abroad for jobs without worrying about heavy upfront expenses. The scheme provides interest-free loans of up to Rs 300,000 to cover visa, ticket and other pre-departure costs.
Here is a simple and complete guide on how the Parwaaz Card works and how you can apply.
What is the Parwaaz Card?
Parwaaz Card is a Punjab government initiative under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to promote skilled overseas employment.
It provides interest-free loans to people who already have a foreign job offer but cannot afford the pre-departure expenses. These loans help cover:
- Medical tests
- Visa processing and stamping
- Protector fees
- Air tickets
- Skill verification tests
- Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) charges
The scheme is being implemented with the help of PSDF (Punjab Skills Development Fund) and the Bank of Punjab, with a strong focus on transparency and proper use of funds.
Who can apply? (eligibility criteria)
To apply for the Parwaaz Card, you must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a resident of Punjab
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a valid CNIC
- Open to both men and women
- Must already have a job offer letter from an overseas employer
- The job salary must be below SAR 5000 per month
This scheme is especially meant for skilled workers who have the ability to work abroad but lack the money to complete the process.
What documents are required?
When applying, you will need to upload:
- CNIC
- Job offer letter from foreign employer
- Medical certificate
- Skill verification or trade certificate
Make sure all documents are clear and valid, because incomplete or incorrect documents can lead to rejection.
Step-by-Step application process
The application process is simple and mostly online. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Apply Online or Through OEP
Applicants can apply directly on the official portal or through a registered Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP).
Step 2: Upload Documents
You will upload your job offer letter, medical certificate and skill certificate on the portal.
Step 3: Application Review
PSDF will review your application and decide whether it is accepted or rejected.
Step 4: Bank of Punjab Loan Process
If approved, you will visit the designated Bank of Punjab branch to apply for the loan. After approval, 20% of the loan amount is released first.
Step 5: Payments and Uploading Receipts
The remaining 80% of the loan is used directly for visa, ticket and other payments. You must upload payment receipts on the portal.
Step 6: Pre-Departure Preparation
Before leaving, you will receive pre-departure training according to international job requirements.
What happens after selection?
Once selected, the candidate gets:
- Pre-departure training
- Soft skills, cultural orientation and financial literacy guidance
- In some cases, international certification
- Final job placement support
This ensures that workers are not only sent abroad but are also prepared to adjust and succeed in a foreign work environment.
Which skills and sectors are covered?
PSDF offers training in 250+ demand-driven trades across 8 major sectors, including:
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- And other technical fields
Training is available at more than 2,500 locations across Punjab.
Why This Scheme Matters
Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has repeatedly said that Pakistan’s biggest strength is its youth. The Parwaaz Card is designed to:
- Remove financial barriers for skilled workers
- Promote legal and ethical overseas employment
- Increase foreign remittances
- Make Pakistani youth competitive in the global job market
Instead of just promising jobs, this scheme practically helps people reach them.
The Parwaaz Card is a major opportunity for skilled youth in Punjab who dream of working abroad but are held back by costs. If you already have a foreign job offer and meet the criteria, this scheme can be your gateway to a better future.
For more information visit the official website: https://punjab.gov.pk/parwaaz-card
