For many young Pakistanis, securing a job abroad is a dream driven by the lack of job opportunities and low income in their home country.
Working overseas not only promises better pay but also offers an improved standard of living. Over the past two and a half years, around 2.2 million Pakistanis have found employment abroad, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
This number includes those who have legally registered with the protectorate, though many others may have sought work through informal or illegal means.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis reports that 65% of those who secure jobs abroad do so through overseas employment promoters, while the remaining 35% find jobs independently, often applying for visas themselves and securing positions with foreign companies.
In the first half of this year alone, approximately 400,000 Pakistanis have left the country for work, following 862,000 who did so last year. Since 2022, more than 90% of those who have gone abroad have headed to Arab countries, with 50% finding work in Saudi Arabia. In fact, Saudi Arabia has provided jobs to 1.2 million Pakistanis over the past two and a half years, while the UAE has employed over 400,000 and Oman 200,000.
Why Do Pakistanis Prefer Gulf Countries?
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—have long been preferred destinations for Pakistani workers.
This preference is rooted in not only economic factors but also deep cultural, religious, and political ties. Since the 1970s, when the demand for labor in the Gulf surged due to oil wealth, Pakistan has been a key provider of labor to these countries.
Today, around 4.5 million Pakistanis work in various Gulf countries, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE hosting the largest numbers—approximately 3 million and 1.5 million, respectively. These workers are employed across a range of sectors, contributing significantly to the development of these nations while also supporting Pakistan’s economy through remittances.
Key Sectors for Overseas Pakistani Workers
Most Pakistanis who seek work abroad are unskilled laborers. Last year, of the 862,000 people who left Pakistan, 400,000 were laborers and 200,000 were drivers. The remaining 260,000 worked in various other fields, including engineering, healthcare, accounting, and education. The construction industry is the largest employer of Pakistani workers, offering numerous opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled laborers involved in the rapid urban development of the Gulf region.
In the healthcare sector, Pakistani doctors, nurses, and paramedics are increasingly in demand, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The IT and telecommunications sectors are also growing, with Pakistani professionals playing a key role in the digitization and smart city projects of the GCC countries. Additionally, the hospitality industry, particularly in the UAE, relies heavily on Pakistani workers due to the country’s booming tourism sector.
Growing Demand for Skilled Workers
The labor market in the Gulf is gradually shifting towards skilled workers, driven by nationalization policies like Saudization and Emiratization, which prioritize local employment in skilled jobs. However, there remains a significant reliance on foreign workers, particularly in sectors where local expertise is lacking.
Pakistan is responding to this shift by enhancing its technical training programs to meet international standards. Initiatives like the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission are working to equip Pakistani workers with the skills needed by GCC employers. The government is also actively identifying high-demand sectors and promoting bilateral agreements with Gulf countries to increase the share of skilled Pakistani manpower.
Navigating Visa Procedures and Challenges
Visa procedures for Pakistani migrant workers vary by country but typically involve securing a job offer, applying for a visa, obtaining a work permit, and attending a mandatory pre-departure training session. This training, mandated by the Pakistani government, helps workers understand their rights, the legal framework of the host country, and how to adapt to their new environment. The introduction of online protectorate services has further streamlined this process, making it easier for workers to fulfill the necessary requirements before departing for their new jobs.
As the demand for skilled labor in sectors like healthcare, renewable energy, IT, and construction continues to rise in the Gulf, Pakistan is poised to take advantage of these opportunities by strengthening its workforce and fostering stronger ties with these economically vibrant regions.
