Pakistan has set a target to create employment opportunities for 800,000 of its citizens in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by 2026, as part of broader reforms aimed at boosting skills, addressing overseas employment challenges, and strengthening the national economy.
According to Khaleej Times, the Pakistani government is implementing comprehensive measures to streamline overseas employment processes, protect workers’ rights, and align local skills with international labour market demands. The publication described these steps as highly significant for Pakistan’s economic improvement.
The United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries remain the primary destinations for Pakistani workers. More than 9 million Pakistanis are currently living and working across GCC states, playing a vital role in both regional labor markets and Pakistan’s domestic economy.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that Pakistan exported a workforce of around 740,000 workers in 2025. “Our target is to increase this number to 800,000 by 2026,” he stated, noting that the current target reflects an increase of 60,000 jobs compared to last year.
Overseas Pakistanis are a major source of foreign exchange for the country. Remittances sent home by expatriates amounted to approximately $40 billion last year, according to Khaleej Times, providing crucial support to Pakistan’s balance of payments and economic stability.
In addition to Gulf opportunities, Pakistan is also expanding employment avenues in Europe. In December last year, Italy offered 10,500 jobs to Pakistani workers, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors.
Experts note that expanding overseas employment not only eases domestic unemployment pressures but also contributes to skills development, higher remittances, and long-term economic growth. The government has emphasized that facilitating safe and legal migration remains a key pillar of its economic strategy.
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