The trend of getting jobs in overseas countries on the raise as more than 762,000 Pakistanis left the country for overseas employment in 2025 as compare to 2024 when 727,381 Pakistanis had travel abroad for employment.
According to the data released by the Bureau of Immigration 762,499 Pakistanis went abroad for work during 2025, compared to 727,381 in 2024, marking a significant year-on-year increase. Among those who migrated were 18,352 highly educated individuals, highlighting a growing outflow of qualified professionals.
According to the data, Pakistanis who left for employment in 2025 included 5,659 accountants, 3,795 doctors, 5,946 engineers, 1,640 nurses, and 1,725 teachers. In addition, 10,503 cooks, 163,718 drivers, and 6,475 electricians also secured overseas jobs during the year.
The document further revealed that 465,138 laborers went abroad, along with 5,700 masons, 12,703 technicians, 11,777 managers, 2,306 plumbers, and 2,027 waiters.
In terms of skill levels, the Bureau of Immigration stated that 18,352 highly educated, 13,657 highly skilled, and 222,171 skilled workers migrated abroad in 2025. Additionally, 42,257 semi-skilled and 466,062 unskilled workers also left Pakistan for employment opportunities.
Country-wise data showed that Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, receiving 530,256 Pakistani workers. Other major destinations included Qatar (68,376), the United Arab Emirates (52,664), Bahrain (37,726), and Kuwait (6,590). A small number of workers, 39, went to South Korea.
The data also showed migration to Western and East Asian countries. In 2025, 1,005 Pakistanis went to the United States for employment, 4,355 to the United Kingdom, 984 to Germany, and 813 to Italy. Meanwhile, 2,230 Pakistanis moved to China, 2,210 to Japan, and 1,109 to Romania for work.
