About 4,000 Pakistani expatriates are expected to get jobs at various companies after attending a daylong job fair organized at the Pakistan International School in Nasiriya district on Thursday.

More than 70 multinational and local companies participated. A total of 5,000 workers applied for jobs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan said that the event was held to help illegal workers. “We appreciate the support of the Saudi government in giving permission for the job fair. We also appreciate the support of companies wanting to recruit Pakistani workers,” Khan said.

“Those Pakistani workers who could not find jobs at the fair are advised to coordinate with the embassy for help because many other companies are conducting interviews on a daily basis at the embassy.”

Khan encouraged all illegal Pakistani workers to take advantage of the grace period and correct their status before the July 3 deadline. He said more job fairs would be held around the country.

Welfare attaches Mueenudin and Syed Hamad Abid supervised and coordinated the event.

Mueenudin said jobs are available for laborers, electricians, plumbers, supervisors, carpenters, drivers, salesmen, IT specialists and many others.

“We are also thankful to the Pakistan Investors Forum for its participation with more than 10 companies.”

Abid said: “We are aiming to provide better facilities for illegal Pakistani workers to correct their status.”