Punjab Launches 'Parwaaz Card': Interest-Free Loans for Overseas Jobseekers

Punjab has launched the 'Parwaaz Card' scheme, offering interest-free loans up to PKR 300,000 for overseas job seekers. Executed by PSDF and BOP, it covers visas, airfare, and medical fees, requiring a valid job offer and repayment in easy installments.

PAKISTAN NEWS

Aagahi Hub

9/14/20262 min read

Official Parwaaz Card scheme launch graphic highlighting interest-free financial support for oversea
Official Parwaaz Card scheme launch graphic highlighting interest-free financial support for oversea

To support workers heading abroad for employment, the Government of Punjab, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has launched the "Hunarmand Naujawan Parwaaz Card" scheme. Executed through the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) in partnership with the Bank of Punjab (BOP), this initiative offers interest-free financial loans (Qarz-e-Hasna) of up to PKR 300,000.

The program eliminates the heavy financial burden that prevents skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers from accepting legitimate jobs overseas due to upfront travel and processing fees.

What Does the Parwaaz Card Cover?

The interest-free loan specifically funds essential pre-departure expenses required to travel abroad for work, including:

  • Visa Processing & Embassy Fees: All official costs associated with obtaining a work visa.

  • Medical Fitness Tests: Standard diagnostic tests and health clearance certificates mandatory for travel.

  • Air Tickets: One-way flight travel to the destination country.

  • Skill Verification & Trade Tests: Expenses for required technical certifications.

  • Promoter Charges: Fees paid to Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs).

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for the Parwaaz Card financing, applicants must fulfill the following basic conditions:

  1. Age Limit: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.

  2. Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab holding a valid CNIC.

  3. Confirmed Job Offer: Applicants must hold a verified employment offer from an overseas employer or through a licensed Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP).

How the Digital Process Works

The Punjab government has digitized the entire registration, approval, and tracking workflow to maintain complete transparency:

  • Online Portal: Applications are submitted through the official portal (parwaaz.psdf.org.pk).

  • Fast Processing Time: Complete applications and verified documents are processed within 7 to 10 working days.

  • Two-Step Loan Disbursement: Upon approval, 20% of the sanctioned loan is released immediately to cover initial tasks. The remaining 80% is disbursed once the applicant uploads receipts verifying their initial expenses on the portal.

  • Flexible Repayment: Workers repay the principal amount in easy monthly installments once they arrive abroad and start earning.

Job Seeker Portal Integration

For candidates who do not yet have an overseas employment offer, the Parwaaz Card platform features an integrated Job Seeker Portal. Registered candidates can browse verified job openings listed directly by government-approved Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) at zero extra cost. Once a candidate secures an offer through the portal, they can apply for the Parwaaz Card loan.

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