In just the first three months of 2025, over 172,000 Pakistanis have left the country in search of employment abroad, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment.
This migration trend continues as Pakistanis seek better job prospects, higher wages, and long-term stability in foreign countries, with a major focus on the Gulf and beyond.
In comparison, over 727,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad for work in 2024, further underlining the growing trend of seeking employment beyond the country’s borders.
For many, the promise of a steady income, the ability to support their families back home, and the opportunity for upward mobility remain compelling reasons to migrate. But where exactly are these workers headed—and what kinds of jobs are they taking? Let’s break it down.
Top Destinations: The Gulf still dominates
There’s no surprise that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remain the dominant destination for Pakistani workers. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Qatar continue to be the leading destinations, with the vast majority of Pakistani workers landing in these countries. These regions offer abundant job opportunities in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and transport, with a demand for both skilled and unskilled labor.
While the Gulf remains central, other countries have been emerging as attractive alternatives:
- Saudi Arabia remains the single largest destination, especially for laborers, drivers, and construction workers.
- UAE attracts a variety of skilled professionals, including electricians, plumbers, and IT technicians.
- Qatar and Oman continue to offer opportunities for semi-skilled and skilled workers in construction, maintenance, and transport.
- Bahrain and Kuwait, while smaller in terms of numbers, are steadily drawing workers, particularly in hospitality and service sector jobs.
- Malaysia and South Korea are gaining traction as non-Gulf options, especially for factory work and technical positions.
Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 Countries that received Pakistani workers in the first quarter of 2025:
| Rank | Country | Number of Workers Sent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 121,970 |
| 2 | Qatar | 12,998 |
| 3 | Bahrain | 9,139 |
| 4 | Oman | 8,331 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 6,891 |
| 6 | United Kingdom (UK) | 1,454 |
| 7 | Türkiye | 870 |
| 8 | Greece | 815 |
| 9 | Iraq | 780 |
| 10 | Malaysia | 775 |
Insight: Saudi Arabia, as expected, remains the dominant destination for Pakistani workers, taking up more than 70% of the total migration, primarily for unskilled and semi-skilled labor. However, other countries like the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Iraq show increasing interest, with skilled roles in demand.
This year, there has also been a slight uptick in migration to non-traditional destinations such as Romania, Poland, and Japan. These countries, facing labor shortages and aging populations, are opening doors for semi-skilled and skilled labor, offering exciting opportunities for those with the right skill sets.
What kind of work are Pakistanis doing abroad?
According to the latest figures for the first quarter of 2025, the largest group of Pakistanis migrating abroad continue to fall under the unskilled category, which includes general laborers, helpers, and construction workers. However, there’s also a noticeable increase in the number of skilled and highly qualified professionals heading abroad, signaling a growing trend toward diversification in job categories.
Breakdown by Job Categories
In terms of job types, the breakdown for the first three months of 2025 is as follows:
| Rank | Job Category | Workers Sent |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Laborers | 99,139 |
| 2️⃣ | Drivers | 38,274 |
| 3️⃣ | Technicians | 3,474 |
| 4️⃣ | Managers | 2,876 |
| 5️⃣ | Supervisors | 2,605 |
| 6️⃣ | Salesmen | 2,198 |
| 7️⃣ | Electricians | 2,130 |
| 8️⃣ | Mechanics | 1,988 |
| 9️⃣ | Masons | 1,859 |
| 🔟 | Engineers | 1,479 |
Other notable categories include 1,941 Accountants and 1,689 Cooks.
Skill level
In the first quarter (up to March 2025), 172,144 workers went abroad — a dip from 727,381 total in 2024, but still substantial. The breakdown by skill level so far this year:
- Highly Qualified: 4,687 (engineers, doctors, IT professionals)
- Highly Skilled: 3,702 (technicians and technology fields)
- Skilled: 54,481 (drivers, electricians, masons, mechanics)
- Semi-Skilled: 9,800 (machine operators, salesmen, tailors)
- Unskilled: 99,474 (laborers, helpers)
Why are so many Pakistanis leaving?
The main reasons driving this migration continue to be the push factors within Pakistan: limited job opportunities, high inflation, and relatively low wages in key sectors. For many workers, the appeal of foreign currency earnings, improved work environments, and better prospects for their families outweigh the emotional and financial costs of leaving home.
Adnan, a 29-year-old mechanical technician, and a father of two, said: “This isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity. At home, the opportunities to earn a decent living are limited. The prospects abroad offer better stability for my family and me.”
Economic Impact on Pakistan
Overseas Pakistanis have sent home approximately $30.3 billion in remittances over the last year, and with 172,144 new migrants already working abroad in 2025, this number is expected to rise in FY25. Remittances remain a lifeline for many families and a crucial factor in strengthening Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.
Future of Pakistan’s Workforce
The Pakistani government has made efforts to improve training and placement programs for overseas employment, including vocational courses and language training. However, analysts argue that more must be done to shift migration from low-paid, unskilled labor toward high-value, skilled jobs. Expanding opportunities for professional and technical migration can provide a long-term boost to the economy, while also offering a better quality of life for workers abroad.
Moreover, tapping into newer markets like Europe, East Asia, and Africa, where demand for labor is growing but competition is less fierce, could be a key area for expansion in the coming years.
Migration remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s labor market and economy, with 172,144 workers already migrating abroad in just the first three months of 2025. Whether it’s the unskilled laborer in Riyadh or the skilled technician in Dubai, each migrant represents not only a personal journey but also a larger national story of aspiration, sacrifice, and resilience.
As global demand shifts and skill sets evolve, the key question for Pakistan is: Can the country adapt quickly enough to move its workforce up the value chain and take advantage of emerging opportunities?