In the first half of 2025, 336,999 Pakistanis went abroad in search of work, according to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE). These job seekers include both skilled professionals and unskilled laborers. Most workers are heading to Middle Eastern countries, especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, which continue to be the top destinations for Pakistani labor.
A BEOE official said the rise in overseas employment is due to favorable government policies and better coordination with host countries. The government has actively facilitated foreign job contracts, especially in construction, healthcare, security, and services sectors. This approach not only helps individuals earn better livelihoods but also relieves pressure on Pakistan’s job market.
Since its establishment in 1971, the BEOE has enabled over 10 million Pakistanis to find work abroad. The peak year was 2015, when almost 947,000 people secured foreign jobs. Officials noted that Pakistan still holds significant untapped manpower potential, especially among youth and vocational graduates.
As of now, over 116,000 job opportunities are listed with the BEOE. Many of these are part of government-to-government agreements and approved recruitment drives. Remittances from overseas Pakistanis play a major role in the national economy, funding import bills, public development projects, and household incomes.
The BEOE also acts as a regulatory body, ensuring workers are legally protected. It oversees recruiters, provides pre-departure training, and manages mandatory insurance coverage for emigrants. Through Protectorates of Emigrants across the country, it also verifies contracts and ensures that Pakistani workers leave under safe, legal, and fair conditions.