More than 172,000 Pakistani workers went abroad for employment during the first three months of 2025, according to the latest figures released by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).
The data reveals that Saudi Arabia remained the most popular destination, welcoming 121,970 Pakistani workers. Other Gulf countries such as Qatar (12,989), Oman (8,331), and the United Arab Emirates (6,891) also featured prominently.
Outside the Gulf, Pakistani workers found opportunities in Bahrain (939), Malaysia (775), China (592), Azerbaijan (350), Germany (264), Greece (815), Turkey (870), Italy (109), Japan (108), the United Kingdom (1,454), and the United States (257).
The report also highlights a rising trend in the export of skilled labour. A total of 1,479 engineers, 849 doctors, 390 nurses, and 3,474 technicians were among those who secured employment abroad. In addition, professions such as cooks (1,689), welders (1,058), electricians (2,130), and teachers (436) saw strong demand.
Among semi-skilled workers, drivers (38,274) and masons (1,859) constituted a significant portion of the workforce deployed internationally.
Officials say the surge in overseas employment reflects growing international confidence in the capabilities of Pakistan’s workforce, particularly in the Gulf and European labour markets.
