ISLAMABAD, 29 July 2026—Philippine Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez participated in a luncheon meeting hosted by Mr. Sardar Shahzad with Mr. Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), and Mr. Muhammad Kamran Khan, Chairman of the Education Committee of the OPF Board of Governors. Also in attendance was H.E. Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Pakistan.

The luncheon provided an opportunity for an engaging exchange of views on labor migration governance and the protection and welfare of overseas workers. Ambassador Fernandez shared the Philippines’ experience in managing one of the world’s largest and most organized overseas employment programs, while the Pakistani and South African participants highlighted their respective countries’ approaches and priorities. The discussions underscored the importance of ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration, as well as equipping workers with the skills needed to remain globally competitive.

The participants also discussed the significant contribution of overseas workers’ remittances to their national economies and how these resources help improve household welfare, stimulate economic growth, and support investments in education, skills development, and workforce upscaling. They expressed interest in continuing the exchange of best practices and exploring opportunities for closer cooperation on labor migration, human capital development, and the welfare of overseas nationals. END