2M Pakistanis Secure Jobs Abroad by 2025

Over two million Pakistanis secured employment across more than 50 countries between 2023 and August 2025, with Saudi Arabia remaining the primary destination for overseas workers, according to official statistics from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).

The BEOE reported that 2,041,147 workers registered for foreign employment during this period, with 862,625 departing in 2023, 727,381 in 2024, and 451,141 in the first eight months of 2025.

Saudi Arabia led as the top destination, employing 1,193,281 Pakistanis in sectors ranging from construction and services to technical and professional fields. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed, hosting 317,888 workers in a vibrant economy spanning construction, transport, hospitality, and trade. Oman absorbed 150,188 Pakistanis, driven by demand from ongoing development projects in 2023 and 2024.

Qatar welcomed 133,647 workers, primarily in infrastructure, energy projects, and logistics, while Bahrain and Kuwait employed 63,325 and 10,281 workers, respectively.

Beyond the Gulf, Malaysia, the UK, and Iraq emerged as notable destinations, hiring 28,670, 33,439, and 15,052 Pakistanis, respectively. Japan and South Korea recruited specialized workers through official programs, with 4,488 and 2,330 Pakistanis employed, respectively.

Smaller nations, including Greece, Spain, Libya, and South Africa, also embraced Pakistani workers, underscoring the diverse opportunities available globally.

The workforce breakdown highlights drivers as the leading category with 396,997 overseas jobs, followed by laborers (380,657), technicians (263,773), and skilled trades such as masons, carpenters, electricians, welders, and plumbers. Other professional categories included engineers, doctors, IT professionals, clerks, and security staff, reflecting the wide spectrum of employment opportunities abroad for Pakistanis.