The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proving to be a magnet for Pakistani professionals seeking better job prospects. Over 230,000 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in 2023, making it the second most popular destination for Pakistani workers after Saudi Arabia.
This trend reflects both the strong economic pull of the UAE and the challenges faced by Pakistan’s job market.
The UAE’s booming economy attracts skilled professionals like doctors, engineers, and IT workers from Pakistan. This migration, however, raises concerns about a “brain drain” from Pakistan.
The UAE isn’t the only Gulf nation attracting Pakistani workers. Countries in the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are popular choices, with over 860,000 Pakistanis seeking work opportunities there in 2023. Saudi Arabia remains the top destination, with almost half a million Pakistanis moving there for jobs.
Family ties and financial support
Pakistanis abroad play a vital role in their home country’s economy. The money they send back home, called remittances, is a major source of foreign income for Pakistan, second only to exports. In the UAE alone, Pakistani expats sent back a staggering $3.7 billion during the last fiscal year.
A look at the trade relationship
The UAE and Pakistan not only share a strong migration connection, but also a close economic partnership. The UAE has supported Pakistan financially, with a recent $1 billion deposit to help the country’s balance of payments. Additionally, trade between the two nations is flourishing. Pakistan’s exports to the UAE have increased significantly in recent years.
The strong ties between Pakistan and the UAE are expected to continue. With a growing Pakistani expat community in the UAE and a thriving economic relationship, both nations stand to benefit from this close partnership.
