In the first three months of 2025, a significant number of Pakistanis found job opportunities in foreign countries. Moreover, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reporting that 172,144 workers able to secure employment in various countries. The figures depict the growing role of Pakistan in the international labor market, especially in the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia remained the most famous destination, welcoming 121,970 Pakistani workers, more than 2/3rd of the total. Other countries that opened doors to Pakistani talent included
- Qatar (12,989)
- Oman (8,331)
- UAE (6,891)
Beyond the Gulf, smaller but remarkable numbers also headed to countries such as Bahrain (939), Malaysia (775), China (592), Azerbaijan (350), and even Western nations like Germany (264), Greece (815), Turkey (870), the UK (1,454), and the US (257).
The report sheds light on the broad spectrum of professions in which Pakistanis are gaining traction overseas. Among the skilled categories, engineers (1,479), doctors (849), nurses (390), and technicians (3,474) were capable of securing positions.
This suggests a healthy demand for Pakistan’s technical and professional workforce.
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There was also strong representation from trades and semi-skilled workers. Electricians (2,130), welders (1,058), cooks (1,689), and teachers (436) found jobs abroad, demonstrating the diversity of talent emerging from Pakistan.
Drivers made up one of the largest groups, with 38,274 sent abroad under various contracts. Meanwhile, 1,859 masons also contributed to this workforce migration, highlighting ongoing demand in the construction and transport sectors.
Officials noted that this upward trend is considered to be a positive omen of growing international confidence in Pakistani labor, especially in Gulf and European markets. They credit the increase to the country’s expanding vocational training sector and improved coordination between the government and foreign recruiters.
As global demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers continues to increase, Pakistan appears to be stepping up to meet labor shortages across various industries—opening new fields for economic contribution via remittances and enhancing the livelihoods of thousands of families back home.