Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, revealed plans for freelancers in Pakistan to start receiving PayPal payments in February.

Speaking at the Tech Destination Pakistan event, he outlined a pilot project involving 10,000 freelancers scheduled to commence in February, allowing them to receive payments through PayPal. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to boost the digital ecosystem in Pakistan.

Dr. Umar Saif clarified that PayPal itself is not establishing a direct presence in Pakistan; instead, an agreement has been reached to facilitate remittances through PayPal via a third party. In March, the program is expected to be expanded, enabling broader access to PayPal and Stripe payments across the country.

Under this program, freelancers won't need to open a PayPal account. Payments will be made by individuals outside the country directly from their PayPal accounts, and the funds will be promptly deposited into the freelancers' accounts. Dr. Saif mentioned that a mechanism for opening bank accounts for freelancers has been devised, requiring evidence of accounts on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Elance, Toptal, or Crossover.

Additionally, the IT industry will benefit from a 50% dollar retention policy, allowing freelancers to keep half of their earnings in dollars, accessible through a provided debit card for domestic and international spending. Dr. Umar Saif emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the digital and economic sectors, citing the establishment of E-Rozgaar centers across the country. The centers, developed through a public-private partnership, aim to provide infrastructure and interest-free loans to enhance freelancers' productivity and contribute to Pakistan's digital growth. Currently, approximately 40 E-Rozgaar centers are in progress, with full operational status expected by February 19, 2024. The minister also highlighted plans for standardized quality tests for 75,000 IT graduates on January 15, creating opportunities for job placement and industry-focused education.