More than 172,000 Pakistani workers went abroad for employment during the first three months of 2025, according to the latest figures published by the Office of Emigration and Employment abroad (Beeo).
The data reveal 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 appeared prominently.
Outside the Gulf, Pakistani workers found opportunities in Bahrein (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 growing trend in the export of qualified labor. A total of 1,479 engineers, 849 doctors, 390 nurses and 3,474 technicians were among those who secured job abroad. In addition, professions such as Cooks (1,689), welders (1,058), electricians (2,130) and teachers (436) saw a strong demand.
Among the semi -qualified workers, the drivers (38,274) and the Masons (1,859) constituted a significant part of the workforce deployed internationally.
The authorities say that the increase in employment abroad reflects the growing international confidence in the capacities of the Pakistan workforce, particularly in the Gulf and Europe’s labor markets.
