The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development directed authorities on Wednesday to open new Protector Offices for job-visa holders within the current financial year.
The committee also pushed for full digital integration of protector services with the National Database and Registration Authority and other government platforms to improve identity verification and reduce dependence on agents.
Committee Chair Syed Rafiullah reviewed earlier instructions and received updates from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the Federal Investigation Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Officials said approvals for new Protector Offices were underway but cited budget and staffing constraints. The committee rejected those delays and instructed the ministries to make the offices operational before the end of the year.
Members also called for an accelerated rollout of the E-Protector system. Officials reported that about 60,000 users have accessed the platform so far. The committee urged the ministries to expand awareness through SMS alerts, social media updates and local outreach so emigrants can use the system without intermediaries.
The committee stressed the need for stronger accountability, including online service tracking, verifiable payment receipts and responsive complaint-handling. It also reaffirmed that all fees must flow through formal banking channels and recognized digital payment systems to ensure complete traceability.
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