The number of Pakistanis leaving the country for work and better opportunities saw a significant dip in 2024. According to data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), only 727,381 individuals officially migrated abroad, marking a 15% decline compared to the previous year when 862,625 workers moved overseas. This reduction highlights a notable shift in migration patterns, influenced by various economic and global factors.
Top Destination Countries for Pakistani Migrants
1. Saudi Arabia: The Leading Choice
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) remained the top destination for Pakistani workers, attracting 452,562 individuals in 2024, which is over 62% of total emigrants. The country continues to be a hub for employment, especially for blue-collar workers, due to its demand for skilled and semi-skilled labor in sectors such as construction and services.
2. Oman: A Rising Destination
Oman emerged as the second-most popular destination, hosting 81,587 Pakistani workers in 2024. The country overtook the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a preferred choice for employment, partly due to its evolving job market and eased visa policies.
3. UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain
- The UAE, traditionally a strong contender, welcomed 64,130 professionals from Pakistan, primarily in engineering, healthcare, and IT sectors.
- Qatar hosted 40,818 workers, while Bahrain employed 25,198 individuals, solidifying their positions as significant contributors to Pakistan’s labor migration.
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Migration to Western Countries
United Kingdom and the United States
The UK attracted 13,695 Pakistani professionals, while 1,077 individuals moved to the USA in search of better career prospects. These countries remained desirable for skilled workers seeking higher incomes, stable economies, and improved living standards.
Occupational Trends in Emigration
A majority of Pakistani workers who migrated in 2024 took up blue-collar jobs. Key roles included:
- Laborers: 364,574 individuals formed the largest group.
- Drivers: 185,209 workers also accounted for a significant portion.
Skilled professionals also left in smaller but impactful numbers:
- Doctors: 3,642 migrated to leverage global healthcare opportunities.
- Engineers: 8,018 sought positions in various technical fields abroad.
Unregistered Emigrants: The Hidden Statistics
A large number of Pakistanis bypassed official registration channels to seek jobs or settle abroad. Many individuals use private agents, personal connections, or direct applications to secure employment. Additionally, workers who travel on tourist visas and overstay or take up undocumented jobs are not included in the official data.
This untracked emigration suggests that the true scale of migration is much higher than the official figures. For instance, some countries, such as the UAE, imposed restrictions on hiring foreign workers in 2024 due to economic challenges and localization policies, pushing workers to pursue alternative pathways.
Economic Impact of Migration
Despite the decline in official migration, remittance inflows from overseas workers have surged. Projections indicate remittances could reach $35 billion by the end of 2024. Key drivers include:
- Increased migration to Europe and North America.
- Stability in Pakistan’s currency against major global currencies.
- Incentives for financial institutions to streamline remittance channels.
Challenges in Accurate Data Reporting
The lack of comprehensive data on undocumented workers and those bypassing official channels presents a major challenge. This gap in information undermines efforts to fully assess the scale of migration and its contribution to Pakistan’s economy through remittances. Accurate reporting is essential for shaping policies to support overseas workers and their families effectively.
