WEB DESK: A recent report has highlighted an unexpected decline in the number of Pakistanis seeking employment abroad this year. Data from the Protectorate of Emigrants reveals a noticeable reduction in outbound migration for work purposes compared to the previous year.
In the first 11 months of 2025, 686,292 Pakistanis pursued job opportunities overseas, reflecting a drop of over 41,000 from the 727,391 recorded in 2024. This trend points to a significant shift in migration patterns.
Sindh, including Karachi, contributed a sizable share of workers heading abroad, with 52,449 individuals departing for foreign employment. Despite the overall decrease, the preferred destinations for Pakistani workers remain consistent. Saudi Arabia maintains its position as the leading choice, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in second place, Qatar in third, Bahrain in fourth, and Kuwait rounding out the top five.
Analysts believe this decline could stem from multiple factors, such as evolving global labor market conditions, stricter visa regulations, and potentially improved domestic circumstances reducing the need for international employment. Nonetheless, these Gulf nations continue to dominate as the primary targets for Pakistani workers.
The Protectorate of Emigrants has yet to provide an official explanation for this downward trend. However, the data suggests potential shifts in migration dynamics that could impact both Pakistan’s workforce and the economies of destination countries.
As the year unfolds, it remains uncertain whether this decreasing trend will persist or reverse in the coming months.
