ISLAMABAD: More than 172,000 Pakistanis secured employment abroad during the first three months of 2025, according to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).
The BEOE report reveals that 172,144 workers left for various countries between January and March this year. Among them were 38,274 drivers, 1,859 masons, 1,689 cooks, and 849 doctors. Additionally, 1,479 engineers, 390 nurses, 3,474 technicians, 1,058 welders, 2,130 electricians, and 436 teachers also migrated for overseas jobs.
Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, welcoming 121,970 Pakistani workers. Other countries receiving significant numbers included:
- UAE: 6,891
- Oman: 8,331
- Qatar: 12,989
- Bahrain: 939
- Malaysia: 775
- China: 592
- Azerbaijan: 350
- Germany: 264
- Greece: 815
- Turkey: 870
- United Kingdom: 1,454
- United States: 257
- Italy: 109
- Japan: 108
Record-Breaking Remittances in March 2025
In a related development, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that workers’ remittances hit an all-time high in March 2025, with inflows crossing the $4 billion mark for the first time.
According to SBP data, remittances in March 2025 totaled $4.1 billion, reflecting a 37.3% year-on-year increase and a 29.8% rise compared to February 2025.
Between July 2024 and March 2025, Pakistan received a total of $28 billion in remittances, up 33.2% from $21 billion during the same period last year.
The highest remittance inflows in March came from:
- Saudi Arabia: $987.3 million
- UAE: $842.1 million
- United Kingdom: $683.9 million
- United States: $419.5 million
The significant rise in overseas employment and record-breaking remittances are seen as positive developments for Pakistan’s economy, offering crucial support to the country’s external accounts amid ongoing fiscal challenges.
