In February 2024, PayPal payments will be distributed to 10,000 freelancers in Pakistan.

The Caretaker Federal Minister for Telecommunication and Information Technology, Dr. Umar Saif, has introduced an exciting plan. Starting in February, a trial project will commence, allowing 10,000 freelancers in Pakistan to receive payments through PayPal.

Despite the unavailability of direct PayPal services in Pakistan, an agreement has been established to utilize a third party for payment processing. Freelancers won't require their own PayPal accounts; individuals outside the country will send payments, and the money will be directed straight to the freelancers.

Dr. Saif emphasized that the government is simplifying processes for freelancers. Verification will only involve demonstrating accounts on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. A 50% dollar retention policy is also being introduced, enabling freelancers to retain half of their earnings in dollars, and a debit card will be provided for transactions.

The government is making substantial investments in E-Rozgaar centers across Pakistan to further support freelancers and entrepreneurs, planning for over 250 centers. These centers will offer interest-free loans and support for freelancing and entrepreneurship, to have 40 centers operational by February 19, 2024.

Dr. Saif also highlighted a standardized quality test for 75,000 IT graduates on January 15, leading to job opportunities through the Industry Placement Program. The government plans to provide international certification training for 16,000 individuals in technologies such as Salesforce and Microsoft.

Thanks to these initiatives, IT revenue in Pakistan has seen a 13% increase in the past month. The Federal IT Secretary, Hassan Nasir Jami, commended the efforts to boost IT exports and support freelancers, encouraging people to seize the opportunities in Pakistan's growing IT sector.