In a worrying deployment, Pakistan’s overseas workforce to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) saw a sharp decline in the first quarter of 2025, largely due to adjustments in Emirati visa regulations.
JS Global highlighted in its report that the emigration of Pakistani workers to the UAE decreased significantly during this period, as frequent changes to visa policies hindered labor exports to various UAE states.
The report revealed that the UAE’s share in Pakistani worker emigration dropped dramatically to just 4%, down from its historical average of 35%, signaling a shift in migration patterns.
Although officials from both countries have stated that UAE visas for Pakistanis are not banned, numerous reports suggest intensified scrutiny and an increase in visa rejections by UAE authorities.
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On the other hand, Saudi Arabia emerged as a leading destination for Pakistani workers during the same time-frame.
According to the JS Global report, Saudi Arabia accounted for 70% of total emigration in the first quarter of 2025, based on data from Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment.
