- Drivers led with 396,997 jobs abroad, followed by laborers (380,657), technicians (263,773), and skilled trades such as masons, carpenters, electricians, welders, and plumbers
Over two million Pakistanis secured employment in more than 50 countries between 2023 and August 2025, with Saudi Arabia continuing to be the largest destination for overseas workers.
According to official statistics from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), 2,041,147 workers registered for foreign employment during this period. Of these, 862,625 left in 2023, 727,381 in 2024, and 451,141 in the first eight months of 2025.
Saudi Arabia led the way, with 1,193,281 Pakistanis obtaining jobs in various sectors, from construction and services to technical and professional fields.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed with 317,888 workers, benefiting from a diverse economy ranging from construction and transport to hospitality and trade. Oman, another key destination, employed 150,188 Pakistanis, with strong demand in 2023 and 2024 due to ongoing development projects.
Qatar saw 133,647 Pakistanis securing jobs, mainly in infrastructure, energy projects, and logistics. Bahrain and Kuwait attracted 63,325 and 10,281 workers, respectively.
Beyond the Gulf, Malaysia, the UK, and Iraq emerged as significant destinations, employing 28,670, 33,439, and 15,052 Pakistanis, respectively. Japan and South Korea also recruited specialized workers through official programs, with 4,488 and 2,330 Pakistanis employed there.
In addition to these prominent markets, smaller countries such as Greece, Spain, Libya, and South Africa also welcomed Pakistani workers, reflecting the diverse range of overseas opportunities.
The breakdown of the workforce reveals that drivers topped the list, with 396,997 securing overseas jobs, followed by laborers (380,657), technicians (263,773), and various skilled trades such as masons, carpenters, electricians, welders, and plumbers. Other professional categories include engineers, doctors, IT professionals, clerks, and security staff, highlighting the broad scope of employment opportunities abroad for Pakistanis.
