ISLAMABAD: The number of Pakistanis moving abroad saw a significant decline, dropping to 727,381 – a 15 percent reduction compared to 2023’s figure of 862,625, according to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).
This downward trend did not deter the Gulf region from maintaining its status as the top destination for Pakistani workers.
Leading the way, Saudi Arabia employed 452,561 Pakistanis, accounting for 62% of all migrants seeking opportunities overseas.
The UAE stood out as the second-most popular destination within the Gulf, with 64,130 Pakistanis securing work visas in 2024.
Oman also emerged as a strong contender, attracting 81,587 workers, while Qatar and Bahrain welcomed 40,818 and 25,198 Pakistani workers, respectively.
Dominance of blue-collar jobs
Labourers and drivers continued to form the backbone of Pakistan’s migrant workforce, with 364,574 and 185,209 workers employed in these roles. Together, they accounted for over 75 percent of overseas employment from Pakistan.
Skilled professionals also contributed to migration trends, with 3,642 doctors and 8,018 engineers finding employment abroad, reflecting a diverse range of opportunities for the Pakistani workforce.
Remittances surge
Remittance inflows from overseas workers have been a bright spot for Pakistan’s economy, projected to reach $35 billion by the end of 2024. A combination of stable exchange rates, incentives for formal money transfers, and advancements in digital banking solutions has significantly boosted remittance growth. This trend highlights the critical role of overseas employment in supporting the country’s economic resilience.
Saudi Arabia and UAE: Preferred destinations
A recent Ipsos survey revealed that Saudi Arabia remains the most preferred destination for Pakistanis looking to relocate, with 30 percent of aspiring emigrants choosing it as their top pick. The UAE followed closely, with 20 percent opting for its job opportunities and proximity to home. These choices reflect a shift towards economically stable neighbouring nations, offering better employment prospects and living standards.
Migration beyond GCC
While Gulf countries dominate migration trends, there has been a noticeable uptick in skilled professionals and students moving to Western countries. In 2024, 13,695 Pakistanis relocated to the UK, and 1,077 moved to the US, underlining growing interest in opportunities beyond the GCC. These destinations, while fewer in numbers, represent a growing aspiration among Pakistanis to seek advanced career opportunities in Europe and North America.
Challenges
Despite the official statistics, thousands of Pakistani emigrants remain unreported due to bypassing formal registration channels. Many secure jobs through private recruitment agencies, personal networks, or direct applications, while others travel on tourist visas and settle or work informally. This unregulated migration creates challenges for accurately tracking the diaspora and addressing their needs.