Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) reported that 172,144 workers secured jobs abroad in the first three months of 2025.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), this surge in overseas employment fueled a historic $4.1 billion in worker remittances in March 2025. These figures highlight Pakistan’s growing influence in the global labour market and its critical role in strengthening its economy.
Pakistani workers span a wide range of skills, meeting global labour needs. The BEOE noted the following professions among those who went abroad:
- Drivers: 38,274
- Technicians: 3,474
- Electricians: 2,130
- Masons: 1,859
- Cooks: 1,689
- Engineers: 1,479
- Welders: 1,058
- Doctors: 849
- Teachers: 436
- Nurses: 390
This diversity showcases Pakistan’s ability to supply skilled trades and specialised professionals to international markets.
Top Destinations for Pakistani Workers
Saudi Arabia led as the top destination, hosting 121,970 workers. Other key countries included:
- Qatar: 12,989
- Oman: 8,331
- UAE: 6,891
- UK: 1,454
- Turkey: 870
- US: 257
- Germany: 264
- Japan: 108
- Italy: 109
Smaller groups found opportunities in Malaysia (775), China (592), Bahrain (939), Greece (815), and Azerbaijan (350), reflecting Pakistan’s expanding global footprint.
Read: Pakistan’s Remittances Set to Hit Record $6.1B High
The SBP reported that March 2025 marked a milestone, with remittances reaching $4.1 billion, a 37.3% increase from March 2024 and a 29.8% rise from February 2025. For the first nine months of the fiscal year (July 2024–March 2025), remittances totalled $28 billion, up 33.2% from the $21 billion recorded in the same period last year.
The largest remittance inflows came from:
- Saudi Arabia: $987.3 million
- UAE: $842.1 million
- UK: $683.9 million
- US: $419.5 million
The rise in overseas employment and remittances underscores Pakistan’s strategic focus on labour export. By sending skilled workers abroad, Pakistan strengthens its economy and builds global partnerships. The BEOE ensures safe and legal emigration, while the SBP monitors remittance flows to support financial stability.
