Parwaz Card Scheme 2026: Punjab Government’s Interest-Free Support for Overseas Employment

The Parwaz Card Scheme 2026 is a targeted overseas employment facilitation initiative launched by the Government of Punjab through the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF). The scheme provides interest-free financial assistance to skilled individuals who already possess verified overseas job offers but face financial constraints in meeting pre-departure expenses.

The program aims to formalize overseas employment, reduce illegal migration, and enable safe, documented workforce export from Punjab.

Objective of the Parwaz Card Scheme

The core objective of the Parwaz Card Scheme is to remove financial barriers at the final stage of overseas employment. Despite having confirmed job offers, many candidates fail to migrate due to costs related to visas, medical examinations, and travel.

By offering structured, interest-free loans, the scheme ensures that eligible candidates can complete required procedures and depart legally for employment abroad.

Key Features of the Parwaz Card Scheme

• Interest-free loan facility

• Available only to Punjab residents

• Requires a verified overseas job offer

• Controlled fund disbursement mechanism

• Managed through the Bank of Punjab

• Online application and verification process

Expenses Covered Under the Scheme

The loan amount can be utilized strictly for approved pre-departure expenses, including

• Medical fitness tests

• Visa processing fees

• Protector of Emigrants charges

• Air travel tickets

• Skill testing and certification

• Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) fees (if applicable)

Direct payments are made to service providers to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

• Permanent resident of Punjab

• Minimum age of 18 years

• Valid CNIC

• Confirmed and verifiable overseas job offer

• Compliance with PSDF and bank verification requirements

The scheme does not provide job placement services. Applicants must secure employment independently before applying.

Financing Mechanism (20/80 Model)

The Parwaz Card Scheme follows a monitored financing structure:

• 20% of the approved loan is accessible to the applicant

• 80% is directly paid to service providers for verified expenses

• All transactions are processed through the Bank of Punjab

• Proof of expenditure must be uploaded on the official portal

This mechanism ensures accountability and proper utilization of public funds.

Application Process

1. Online registration via the official Parwaz Card portal

2. Submission of CNIC and job offer documents

3. Verification by PSDF

4. Loan processing through Bank of Punjab

5. Disbursement and facilitation of overseas travel

Applicants are informed of approval or rejection through the portal.

Additional Support Services

Beyond financial assistance, selected candidates may receive:

• Pre-departure orientation sessions

• Financial literacy guidance

• Cultural and workplace awareness training

• Support for skill certification (where required)

These services aim to improve retention and adjustment in host countries.

Policy Significance

The Parwaz Card Scheme reflects the Punjab government’s effort to:

• Promote legal overseas employment

• Reduce exploitation by informal agents

• Enhance remittance inflows

• Establish a regulated migration pipeline

However, policy analysts note that long-term reliance on labor export highlights the need for stronger domestic employment strategies.

Official Links and Resources

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF):

Parwaaz Card

Parwaz Card Application Portal:
https://parwaaz.psdf.org.pk/

Independent Policy Coverage:

How to Apply for an Interest-Free Loan Under Punjab’s Parwaaz Card

FAQs – Parwaz Card Scheme

Is the Parwaz Card loan interest-free?

Yes. The loan carries zero interest, but repayment is mandatory.

Can I apply without a job offer?

No. A verified overseas job offer is compulsory.

Which bank handles the loan?

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) manages loan processing and disbursement.

Is this scheme available outside Punjab?

No. It is currently limited to Punjab residents only.

What countries are supported?

Any country with verified legal employment, subject to documentation approval.

Related Government Schemes (Pakistan)

1. Prime Minister’s Youth Loan Scheme (PMYLS)

Federal Government

• Interest-free / low-markup loans for youth entrepreneurship

• Targets self-employment instead of overseas jobs

• Complements Parwaz Card by offering a stay-and-build alternative

Link:
https://pmyp.gov.pk

2. Prime Minister’s Skill Development Program

Federal Government

• Free technical and vocational training

• Focus on IT, construction, hospitality, and services

• Often feeds into overseas employment pipelines

Link:
https://navttc.gov.pk

3. Punjab Rozgar Scheme

Government of Punjab

• Business loans through Bank of Punjab

• For youth seeking domestic income opportunities

• Counter-balance to migration-based schemes

Link:
https://rozgar.psic.punjab.gov.pk

4. Akhuwat Interest-Free Loan Program

Public–Private / Social Finance

• Interest-free microloans

• Often used by individuals unable to access banks

• Informal alternative for pre-departure expenses

Link:
https://akhuwat.org.pk

5. Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Services

Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis

• Welfare, legal aid, and facilitation for overseas workers

• Supports Pakistanis after migration—where Parwaz Card stops

Link:
https://www.opf.org.pk

6. Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE)

Government of Pakistan

• Regulates Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs)

• Protector of Emigrants registration

• Mandatory for legal overseas employment

Link:
https://beoe.gov.pk

7. NAVTTC Overseas Employment Support Programs

Federal TVET Authority

• Skill certification aligned with foreign labor markets

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Reduces rejection of visas due to skill mismatch

Link:
https://navttc.gov.pk

8. Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) Programs

Government of Punjab

• Industry-driven training programs

• Skills for construction, healthcare, logistics, hospitality

• Parent institution of Parwaz Card Scheme

Link:
https://www.psdf.org.pk

9. Kamyab Jawan Program (Merged Initiatives)

Federal Government

• Youth loans + skills + employment pathways

• Broader umbrella under which Parwaz Card logically fits

Link:
https://kamyabjawan.gov.pk

10. Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI)

State Bank of Pakistan

• Facilitates formal remittance inflows

• Supports overseas workers financially after migration

Link:
https://pri.gov.pk