In a major development for Pakistan’s overseas workforce, the Bureau of Immigration has released updated statistics showing a massive migration of skilled and semi-skilled laborers from Pakistan in the first three months of 2025. According to the report, 172,144 Pakistanis left the country for employment abroad during this period.
This wave of labor migration highlights both the economic pressures within the country and the growing demand for Pakistani workers abroad, particularly in the Gulf region.
Massive Outflow in Q1 2025
The Bureau’s data reveals that out of the total number, the largest chunk—99,139 Pakistanis—went abroad in a single month, marking a peak in overseas employment migration. This is one of the highest numbers recorded in recent years for such a short span.
The migration includes individuals from a wide variety of professions, ranging from technical roles to medical and construction-related jobs.
Breakdown by Profession
The report provides a detailed look at the occupations of those who left:
- Drivers: 38,274
- Technicians: 3,474
- Engineers: 1,479
- Doctors: 849
- Nurses: 390
- Electricians: 2,130
- Welders: 1,058
- Cooks: 1,689
- Masons: 1,859
- Teachers: 436
This data highlights the high demand for drivers, technicians, and engineers. Medical professionals also continue to migrate in large numbers, as Pakistan faces a brain drain in the healthcare sector.
Top Destination Countries
Unsurprisingly, Saudi Arabia remains the top destination for Pakistani workers. The report confirms that 121,970 workers went to the Kingdom in just three months. This continues a longstanding trend of labor migration from Pakistan to the Middle East.
Here is a breakdown of other countries that received Pakistani workers during the same period:
- UAE: 6,891
- Oman: 8,331
- Qatar: 12,989
- Bahrain: 939
- Malaysia: 775
- China: 592
- Azerbaijan: 350
- Germany: 264
- Greece: 815
- Turkey: 870
- United Kingdom: 1,454
- United States: 257
- Italy: 109
- Japan: 108
The Middle East and Gulf countries dominate the list, receiving a vast majority of the workforce, especially in labor-intensive and technical roles. However, it’s noteworthy that even European and North American destinations have continued to attract Pakistani professionals.
Challenges and Deportations
Despite the large numbers going abroad, challenges remain. The report also mentions that 67 Pakistanis were deported from eight countries, including China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, 14 individuals are currently in custody, highlighting issues of documentation, illegal travel, or other legal concerns.
In another concerning development, three nursing groups from Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia were recently sent back to Pakistan over fake degrees, as revealed by the National Assembly Standing Committee. This underlines the urgent need for proper verification and regulation in overseas employment processes.
Policy Impact and Future Outlook
With over 172,000 people going abroad in just three months, the trend suggests Pakistan’s reliance on overseas employment will continue to play a critical role in its economy, especially through remittances. However, it also calls attention to the country’s shrinking skilled workforce, particularly in the medical and engineering sectors.
The government is expected to work more closely with destination countries to formalize labor agreements, improve worker protections, and streamline visa and training processes. Additionally, stricter checks are being urged to prevent fraudulent recruitment and documentation issues that could lead to deportations and legal consequences.
Conclusion
The new data from the Bureau of Immigration paints a clear picture — Pakistan’s workforce is in high demand globally, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. While this brings significant economic opportunities through remittances, it also raises concerns over talent loss and regulatory oversight. As 2025 progresses, it will be crucial for authorities to balance economic gains with the protection of migrant workers’ rights and national interests.
SEO Keywords:
Pakistanis going abroad for work, Saudi Arabia Pakistani workers, Pakistan overseas employment 2025, Bureau of Immigration Pakistan report, Pakistani skilled labor migration, Pakistan remittances, Pakistani drivers and technicians abroad
