1 Million Pakistanis Move Abroad for Jobs in Just One Year

More than 1 million Pakistanis left the country to work overseas during the fiscal year 2024–25, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan. The report highlights that many people are moving abroad due to rising economic pressure and the search for better job opportunities.

This massive labor migration trend highlights deep-rooted economic and social issues at home, while also emphasizing Pakistan’s heavy dependence on remittances.

• 1.1 million Pakistanis went abroad for employment in FY 2024–25.

• The majority sought jobs in Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

• Skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers form the bulk of migrants.

• Remittances remained a lifeline for Pakistan’s economy, contributing billions in foreign exchange.

• Rising inflation, unemployment, and limited job opportunities are driving the exodus.

• Government policies and overseas employment initiatives are under scrutiny.

The Economic Survey of Pakistan 2024–25, released ahead of the national budget, presented sobering insights into the employment situation. Over 1.1 million Pakistanis registered for overseas employment through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) during the last fiscal year.

This figure marks a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating a growing desire among citizens to find better opportunities outside the country.

The top destinations for Pakistani migrant workers remain the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which continue to attract both skilled and unskilled labor:

• Saudi Arabia: The top choice, with over 500,000 workers.

• United Arab Emirates: The Second most popular, especially for construction and service sector jobs.

• Qatar hosts a significant number due to infrastructure projects.

• Oman and Bahrain: Smaller yet consistent destinations.

• Malaysia and South Korea: Preferred by some for higher wages and better labor rights.

• High inflation and rising living costs have made survival difficult for average families.

• The Pakistani rupee has depreciated, reducing purchasing power.

• Fuel, electricity, and basic food items have seen sharp price hikes.

• Local job market stagnation has failed to absorb new graduates and skilled workers.

• Industries facing energy crises, load-shedding, and export challenges have cut hiring.

• Young people are losing faith in the system, seeing no long-term opportunities in Pakistan.

• High education levels are not matched with employment opportunities.

While labor migration brings in foreign exchange, Pakistan is also facing an alarming brain drain:

• Doctors, IT professionals, engineers, and academics are moving abroad in search of better pay and working conditions.

• Countries like Germany, Canada, Australia, and the UK are actively recruiting Pakistani talent.

• This exodus of qualified professionals could leave critical sectors understaffed.

A young software engineer in Lahore shared, “Despite having international clients, local opportunities are drying up. It made more sense to take a job offer in Dubai.”

The government claims to have introduced several initiatives to support overseas workers, including:

• Digital registration portals to streamline job applications.

• Skills development programs in collaboration with NAVTTC and TEVTA.

• Diplomatic missions are tasked with protecting labor rights abroad.

• Talks of launching bilateral employment agreements with more countries.

Yet, critics argue that these are reactive measures, and there is no clear long-term plan to address the root causes of unemployment and migration.

Leading economists and migration experts recommend the following to curb over-dependence on labor export:

1. Job creation at home via investment in local industries.

2. Encourage entrepreneurship and startups through micro-financing.

3. Improve law and order, ensuring a safe environment for businesses.

4. Reform the education-to-employment pipeline, especially in STEM fields.

5. Provide incentives for returning professionals, such as tax breaks or grants.

This migration wave also has deep emotional consequences for families:

• Children grow up without parents, especially fathers, who work abroad for years.

• Women take on additional responsibilities, managing homes single-handedly.

• Emotional strain and mental health issues are common among migrant families.

Despite the hardships, most families see it as a necessary sacrifice for a better future.

Muhammad Irfan, a skilled welder from Faisalabad:
“I couldn’t find work for over a year. I paid an agent to get a job in Riyadh. I miss my family, but I had no other option.”

Dr. Sana, a general physician now in the UK:
“After years of working in Pakistan with limited pay and zero career growth, I moved to the NHS. It's sad, but the opportunities there are unmatched.”

The exodus of over 1 million Pakistanis seeking jobs abroad paints a clear picture: the country's economic model must evolve. While remittances remain a key support, the government must act urgently to create jobs, invest in education, and retain its talent.