There is some good news for all the freelancers in Pakistan! On the 16th of September 2021, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) in collaboration with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) launched an online portal to register Pakistani freelancers. The registration aims to keep a record of our freelance workforce while providing them with benefits that can enhance their work experience.
In the fiscal year 2019-20, freelancers were responsible for an export remittance of $150 Million. From July 2020 to January 2021 that value rose to USD 219 Million. By the end of the Fiscal year 2020-21, these values are predicted to grow to USD 350 Million.
Considering the efforts and profitable results produced by freelancers, PSEB and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication stepped forward to further promote their work.
The launch event for the online portal was held at the PSEB headquarters. Secretary MoITT, Sohail Rajput, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Syed Amin-ul-Haq, MD PSEB, Osman Nasir along with other senior guests were a part of this event.
The IT Minister stated that the online portal is an effort to encourage and recognize freelancers who have played a very positive role in the economy of the country. The platform also aims to increase the number of freelancers in an attempt to boost the country’s export revenues.
Online Freelancers’ Registration Portal
As a freelancer, you can register as a new member or renew an old registration.
To register as a new member carry out the following steps:
• Sign up and add login information
• Complete the registration form, upload required documents and submit for approval
• After receiving initial approval, pay the charges and submit the paid receipt
• Once the request is processed (2-5 days) you will get a certificate
The certificate will be valid till 30th June 2022. After that, registration renewal will be required. For registered members, the procedure of renewal includes:
• Login to the PSEB website
• Update information, upload required documents, and submit
• After approval, pay the fee (PKR 2000 per year) along with any surcharge (if applicable)
• Upload receipts
• Upon confirmation the certificate will be issued (2-5 days)
Benefits for Freelancers
PSEB aims to promote ease-of-doing business for freelancers under the National Freelancing Facilitation Policy 2021. PSEB will provide low-cost registration along with subsidies and tax incentives to freelancers. PSEB and other major government authorities will also provide visa facilitation to freelancers with recorded 3 years of iTeS and IT remittance exceeding USD 5,000 per year.
PSEB with the assistance of private and government organizations will offer registered freelancers, subsidized life and health insurance. In addition to this, collateral-free loans will also be provided to registered members.
PSEB desks will be established at PSEB, and at the software parks operated by PSEB for registrations, addressing any issues, disputes, taxation matters, etc. PSEB shall also provide linkages to registered members with local and international investors.
With the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, PSEB will make registrations easier and will offer fee discounts to registered freelancers.