ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (Wealth Pakistan) – Overseas employment for Pakistani workers rose sharply in September 2025, with 73,545 individuals securing jobs abroad — a 43 percent increase compared to August, according to the Finance Division’s Monthly Economic Update & Outlook (October 2025).
Strong demand from Gulf countries
The surge reflects continued demand for Pakistani labor in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the government’s efforts to expand overseas employment opportunities. The report said the overall migration trend remained robust during the first quarter of FY2026, providing a major boost to remittances and household income stability.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar accounted for most of the new job placements, followed by Oman, Bahrain, and Malaysia. Employment opportunities were concentrated in the construction, hospitality, healthcare, and services sectors, where Pakistani workers continue to be in high demand.
Economic impact and remittance growth
Economists said the rise in overseas employment underscores Pakistan’s potential as a leading labor-exporting nation. They noted that every increase in foreign placements not only strengthens remittance inflows but also supports domestic consumption and economic resilience.
The Finance Division reported that remittances rose 8.4 percent to 9.5 billion dollars during the first quarter of FY2026, helping offset the trade deficit and strengthening foreign-exchange reserves. Monthly inflows crossed the 3 billion dollar mark for the third consecutive month in September, reaching 3.18 billion dollars.
Reforms and skill development
The government has accelerated reforms in the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) to streamline visa processing and skill certification. It is also strengthening labor agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and South Korea to diversify employment destinations for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Vocational training programs under the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme have been expanded to equip workers with internationally recognized skills. The Finance Division said the expansion of skill certification programs would help Pakistan capture higher-paying job segments overseas.
Social protection and inclusive growth
Labor migration remains a key buffer against domestic unemployment, especially in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir — the main regions where workers originate. Overseas remittances continue to sustain rural economies and improve living standards for low-income households.
The report also highlighted ongoing social protection programs. The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) disbursed Rs322.6 million in interest-free loans during September to over 5,000 beneficiaries, with total disbursements since 2019 reaching Rs120.7 billion. Similarly, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) spent Rs14.6 billion during July–August FY2026, assisting vulnerable families across the country.
Economists said that rising overseas employment, combined with expanded social safety nets, is cushioning low-income households from inflationary pressures and job instability. They observed that remittances and social programs have helped sustain consumption and poverty reduction despite climate-related disruptions.
Outlook for FY2026
The Finance Division projected that if the current pace continues, Pakistan could exceed one million overseas job placements in FY2026, keeping annual remittance inflows above 40 billion dollars. It stressed that maintaining macroeconomic stability and exchange-rate transparency will be critical to sustaining this growth.
“The performance of overseas workers remains one of the most vital sources of economic stability and external sustainability for Pakistan,” the Finance Division said. “Continued facilitation and skill development will further strengthen this backbone of the national economy.”