Pakistan Bans Hiring of Indian, Israeli-Origin Staff At Overseas Missions

In practice, the Ministry of Commerce has introduced a new policy governing the recruitment of locally hired employees at Pakistan's trade and investment missions abroad, imposing stricter eligibility requirements, mandatory security checks and a standardized selection process.

Key points

• Under the policy, candidates of Indian or Israeli origin will be ineligible for recruitment under any circumstances.
• Locally hired employees may only be appointed to officially approved positions, with salaries and benefits determined according to pay scales prescribed by the Diplomatic Wing.
• After written tests and interviews, the committee will forward a panel of three successful candidates to the Ministry of Commerce for consideration.
• The initial employment contract for locally recruited staff will run for one year and include a 90-day probation period.
• The policy clarifies that the Ministry of Commerce will not assume administrative or financial responsibility for such matters.

Under the policy, candidates of Indian or Israeli origin will be ineligible for recruitment under any circumstances. While Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) must obtain prior approval from the ministry before starting any recruitment process, security screening will additionally be compulsory for applicants and their spouses.

Meanwhile, the ministry has circulated detailed guidelines to all TIOs, directing them to prioritize citizens of the host country. Pakistani-origin individuals with valid work permits may additionally be considered for local positions. Canada Introduces New Visa and Asylum Rules. Commerce Ministry Sets Eligibility and Selection Requirements.

Locally hired employees may only be appointed to officially approved positions, with salaries and benefits determined according to pay scales prescribed by the Diplomatic Wing. In exceptional cases, compensation may be determined through a market survey backed by proper justification.

While candidates with relevant experience in trade-related fields will receive preference, applicants must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university. The selection committee will be formed by the concerned TIO after obtaining approval from the ministry.

After written tests and interviews, the committee will forward a panel of three successful candidates to the Ministry of Commerce for consideration. Qatar Announces Free 30-Day Tourist Visas for Pakistanis. Contracts Limited to Three Years Under New Policy.

Notably, the initial employment contract for locally recruited staff will run for one year and include a 90-day probation period. Subject to satisfactory performance, contracts may be renewed annually, with the total tenure capped at three years.

While requests for contract extensions must reach the ministry at least three months before the existing contract expires, the guidelines require quarterly performance evaluations. Once an employee completes the maximum three-year tenure, the position must be filled through fresh recruitment. Unauthorized Hiring to Be Treated as Irregular Expenditure.

Meanwhile, the ministry has prohibited retrospective approval for recruitment and contract extensions. Appointments or extensions created without prior approval, along with salaries paid in violation of the guidelines, will be classified as irregular expenditure.

For context, the concerned TIO will be personally responsible for audit objections arising from irregular recruitment or extensions and will additionally be held accountable for disputes and legal proceedings involving locally hired staff.

Meanwhile, the policy clarifies that the Ministry of Commerce will not assume administrative or financial responsibility for such matters. The new guidelines replace all previous instructions governing the recruitment and management of locally hired employees at Pakistan's overseas trade and investment missions. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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Taken together, the developments around pakistan Bans Hiring of Indian, Israeli-Origin Staff At Overseas Missions point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.