In the first quarter of 2025, a significant number of Pakistanis—172,144 individuals—ventured abroad in pursuit of employment opportunities, according to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE). This trend underscores the ongoing economic challenges within the country and the persistent demand for Pakistani labor in international markets.
Top Destinations for Pakistani Workers
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remained the primary destinations for Pakistani workers:
- Saudi Arabia: 121,970 workers
- Qatar: 12,989 workers
- Oman: 8,331 workers
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): 6,891 workers
- Bahrain: 939 workers
Beyond the GCC, Pakistani workers also found opportunities in:
- United Kingdom: 1,454 workers
- Turkey: 870 workers
- Greece: 815 workers
- Malaysia: 775 workers
- China: 592 workers
- Azerbaijan: 350 workers
- Germany: 264 workers
- United States: 257 workers
- Italy: 109 workers
- Japan: 108 workers
Occupational Breakdown
The majority of emigrants were categorized as general laborers, totaling 99,139 individuals. Among skilled workers:
- Drivers: 38,274
- Technicians: 3,474
- Electricians: 2,130
- Masons: 1,859
- Cooks: 1,689
- Welders: 1,058
Professional roles included:
- Engineers: 1,479
- Doctors: 849
- Nurses: 390
- Teachers: 436
Economic Implications
The migration of Pakistani workers abroad plays a crucial role in the country’s economy through remittances. These funds are vital for maintaining foreign exchange reserves, managing import bills, and supporting the national currency.
Conclusion
The departure of over 172,000 Pakistanis for overseas employment in early 2025 reflects both the domestic economic challenges and the global demand for Pakistani labor. While this migration provides financial benefits through remittances, it also highlights the need for domestic reforms to create better employment opportunities within Pakistan.
