In 2023, a whopping 540,000 Pakistanis have decided to seek better job opportunities abroad. This trend has been on the rise, with more than 90,000 leaving their homeland in just August alone.
People from all walks of life are joining this migration. Among them, there are 232,749 laborers, 118,172 drivers, and even 5,589 engineers, 5,216 accountants, 2,261 doctors, and 1,012 teachers.
It’s a diverse group looking for a brighter future. When we talk about skills, some are highly qualified (15,052), and others are highly skilled (31,130).
But the majority fall into the skilled (197,719) and semi-skilled (57,516) categories. Unskilled workers make up the biggest chunk, with 238,865 individuals.
Saudi Arabia is the top choice for many, with 251,655 Pakistanis heading there for work. The United Arab Emirates comes next with 147,960, followed by Oman (39,901) and Qatar (39,479).
Other countries like Malaysia, Bahrain, Romania, Greece, and Iraq have also attracted Pakistani workers.
Keep in mind that these numbers only include people who officially registered with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment.
Those going abroad for education or through different routes aren’t counted here. Comparing to previous years, 2023 is a standout year. Last year, 832,339 Pakistanis sought jobs abroad, the highest since 2016.
