A job offer from Riyadh or Dammam is only the start. Before a worker boards the plane, there are medicals, skill tests, visa fees, protector charges and an air ticket. Many families sell something or borrow from an agent to cover it.
The Parwaaz Card is Punjab’s attempt to remove that burden, and it is one of the more practical schemes launched this year.
Quick Overview
- Run by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) with the Bank of Punjab, under the Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Naujawan umbrella.
- Interest-free loan for pre-departure costs once you hold a confirmed overseas job offer.
- Reported ceiling of Rs1 million, depending on approved expenses.
- Target: 45,000 semi-skilled and skilled workers.
- Status: operating. Applications are linked to a verified job offer.
What Is the Parwaaz Card?
PSDF describes it as financial support for international placement. It covers costs such as medical tests, visa processing and protectorate fees, skills verification tests, the Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) fee and the air ticket.
Workers also complete compulsory pre-departure training in soft skills, cultural orientation and financial literacy. Sectors highlighted include construction, healthcare, hospitality, logistics and manufacturing.
Who Is Eligible?
- Age 18 or above
- Valid Pakistani CNIC
- Resident of Punjab
- A verified overseas job offer
You find vacancies through registered OEPs. A job that is not backed by a licensed OEP and the Bureau of Emigration is a warning sign. See our guide to Pakistan overseas jobs.
How the Loan Works
According to PSDF, after bank approval you can access 20 per cent of the loan amount. The remaining 80 per cent is used to pay directly for visa stamping, visa fees, OEP charges and air tickets.
Repayment is in easy instalments with no interest or extra financing charges, according to the government’s announcement. The exact instalment schedule was not stated in what we found.
How to Apply
- Register with a licensed OEP and secure a confirmed job offer.
- Apply through the PSDF Parwaaz Card portal. OEPs register through a separate PSDF platform.
- Complete the digital application and verification.
- Visit the designated Bank of Punjab branch for loan processing.
- Complete pre-departure training.
- Use the loan for the approved costs.
Documents Required
Exact documents are on the portal. Usually expect:
- CNIC
- Passport
- Job offer or demand letter through an OEP
- Medical and skills test details
- Bank account information
Important 2026 Status
Active. Reports say the card was formally launched on 28 January 2026. By July 2026, Arab News reported a first batch of 135 workers heading overseas, with over 96 per cent going to Saudi Arabia.
On 27 July 2026, PSDF held engagement sessions with OEPs in Lahore, Multan and Islamabad to widen placements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying an agent before checking his licence
- Accepting a job offer you cannot confirm
- Treating the loan as free money. It must be repaid
- Skipping training, which is compulsory
- Applying through unofficial websites
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without a job offer?
No. A confirmed overseas job offer is required.
How much can I borrow?
Reports say up to Rs1 million. The actual figure depends on approved costs.
Is there a mark-up?
The government describes it as interest-free, with no additional financing charges.
Which countries can I go to?
The scheme is not limited to one country, but early placements were mostly to Saudi Arabia.
Where can I learn about skills courses?
Try the Google Career Certificates programme if you are a student, though it is separate from this scheme.
Final Takeaway
The Parwaaz Card makes sense if you already hold a verified job. Check the OEP first, then the loan.
This is an independent informational guide and is not an official government website.
