Islamabad: According to the latest data released by the Bureau of Emigration, more than 750,000 Pakistanis left the country in 2025, slightly higher than the 727,381 recorded in 2024.
The report, highlighted by a private news channel, notes that over 400,000 unskilled workers and more than 200,000 skilled professionals secured employment overseas last year. Saudi Arabia continued to be the primary destination for Pakistani workers.
Breakdown by profession:
Accountants: 5,659
Chefs: 10,503
Doctors: 3,795
Engineers: 5,946
Nurses: 1,640
Teachers: 1,725
Drivers: 163,718
Electricians: 6,475
Labourers: 465,138
Masons: 5,700
Technicians: 12,703
Managers: 11,777
Plumbers: 2,306
Waiters: 2,027
Highly educated professionals: 18,352
Highly skilled individuals: 13,657
In total, 222,171 skilled workers, 42,257 semi-skilled, and 466,062 unskilled Pakistanis migrated abroad during the year.
Country-wise distribution:
Saudi Arabia: 530,256
UAE: 52,664
Qatar: 68,376
Bahrain: 37,726
Kuwait: 6,590
USA: 1,005
South Korea: 39
UK: 4,355
Germany: 984
Italy: 813
China: 2,230
Japan: 2,210
Romania: 1,109
The report underscores the continued reliance on overseas employment as a vital source of income and opportunity for Pakistani citizens, particularly in Gulf countries, where demand for both skilled and unskilled labour remains high.
