More than 172,000 Pakistani workers traveled abroad for employment in the first three months of 2025, according to the latest figures released by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).

The data reveals that Saudi Arabia remained the most popular destination and welcomes 121,970 Pakistani workers. Other golfers such as Qatar (12,989), Oman (8,331) and the United Arab Emirates (6,891) also contained prominent.

Outside the Gulf, Pakistani workers found opportunities in Bahrain (939), Malaysia (775), China (592), Azerbaijan (350), Germany (264), Greece (815), Turkey (870), Italy (109), Japan (108), Britain (1,454), and USA (257).

The report also highlights an increasing trend in the export of qualified labor. A total of 1,479 engineers, 849 doctors, 390 nurses and 3,474 technicians were among those who secured employment abroad. In addition, businesses such as chefs (1,689), welders (1,058), electricians (2,130) and teachers (436) experienced strong demand.

Among semi-qualified workers, drivers (38,274) and Freemasons (1,859) constituted a significant part of the workforce that was deployed internationally.

Officials say the increase in overseas employment reflects growing international confidence in the capabilities of Pakistan’s workforce, especially in Gulf and European labor markets.