Islamabad, Sep 4: The Protectorate of Emigrants (PE) Karachi Office underwent a thorough branding and refurbishment project that Bank Alfalah successfully finished with the goal of improving the experience of foreign workers traveling abroad for work.
At the PE Karachi Office, an inaugural event was organized to commemorate the project’s completion. Mr. Akhtar Javed, Executive Director of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), was the main guest at the function.
To ensure the comfort and convenience of intending immigrants visiting the PE office, the plan involved updating the office, particularly the briefing hall, with new amenities.
Additionally, instructional and promotional materials were branded for the office to help educate guests about the advantages of formal channels as well as the bank’s home remittance goods and services.
Furthermore, Bank Alfalah offered payback certificates worth 10,000 AED to foreign workers planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates through a partnership with an international exchange company.
The bank’s dedication to encouraging the use of official channels for remittance mobilization in Pakistan is seen in these initiatives.
Additionally, Bank Alfalah (BAFL) participates in the Pre-Departure Briefing Program of the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), which provides workers heading overseas with a more comprehensive awareness program.
Under this program, which has been in place since September 2023, representatives of BAFL have been holding briefing sessions at nine Pakistani EP offices for prospective foreign workers.
The purpose of these sessions is to inform prospective employees about the risks associated with using informal channels (Hundi Hawala), to help them open bank accounts, and to increase their awareness of formal channels.
The State Bank of Pakistan’s Executive Director, Mr. Akhtar Javed, emphasized during the occasion how important it is for Pakistanis living abroad to send remittances through official channels, which considerably boosts the nation’s economy.
They are greatly valued by PRI and SBP. He was grateful for the education intended workers received before departing Pakistan, which was provided by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment as well as all PE offices nationwide.
Furthermore, he mentioned that more than 15,000 bank accounts have been opened and more than 250,000 emigrant workers have received education through the more than 5,600 sessions that 14 partner banks have delivered as part of this program.
Additionally, he provided information on the different GoP programs for Pakistanis living abroad, such as the free remittance facility, the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP), the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), and others, to reward and promote their adherence to legitimate channels.
In the end he appreciated and acknowledged Bank Alfalah for undertaking the branding and renovation of the PE Karachi office. Under SBP/PRI direction other banks are also undertaking the assignment of branding and renovation of the other PE offices across Pakistan.
Group Head of Corporate Investment and International Business at Bank Alfalah, Mr. Farooq A. Khan, stated: “We think that providing our citizens with the necessary information and tools is crucial for their financial security and the stability of the national economy.
Our collaboration with the Protectorate of Emigrants Offices guarantees that our foreign employees are properly trained and prepared to make lawful and secure economic contributions to Pakistan.
This program is an example of a successful public-private cooperation that aims to improve the banking experience for Pakistanis living abroad and ensure that they may send money to their loved ones safely, effectively, and conveniently.
