Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Survey 2025-26 has highlighted a strong and continued trend of overseas migration by Pakistanis in search of employment opportunities.
According to the survey, around 800,000 Pakistanis left the country over the past year in search of jobs. The data indicated that labor migration remained a key coping strategy for employment amid domestic economic pressures.
Saudi Arabia remained the leading destination for Pakistani workers, receiving approximately 530,000 migrants, reflecting its continued demand for skilled and unskilled labor.
Qatar ranked second with 68,000 Pakistani workers, while migration to the United Arab Emirates declined significantly to 52,000, suggesting a shift in regional labor demand or tighter immigration policies.
Smaller but notable flows were also recorded toward Oman and the United Kingdom, both of which saw a decrease in the number of Pakistani workers compared to previous years.
The survey suggests that while overseas employment continues to provide critical income support for many households through remittances, changing migration patterns—particularly the decline in UAE-bound workers—may reflect evolving labor market conditions in the Gulf region.
Overall, the figures underline the continued reliance of Pakistan’s workforce on foreign job markets, especially in the Middle East, as a major source of employment opportunities.