Record Number of Pakistani Workers Sent Abroad in 2024, Boosting Remittances

In 2024, the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE) helped send a record 727,381 skilled workers from Pakistan to work in other countries. Most of these workers went to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, with many also finding jobs in European countries.

The BE&OE credited its success to better marketing, more support for workers, and stronger relationships with international employers. This increase in workers going abroad is expected to bring more money back to Pakistan through remittances, which will help the economy and reduce unemployment at home.

In January 2025, Pakistan received $3 billion in remittances, a 25.2% increase from January 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia contributed most of this growth, with the UAE’s remittances rising by 52% and Saudi Arabia’s by 24%. The UAE now makes up 21% of the total remittances, with Dubai being the main source.

Between July and January of the 2025 fiscal year, remittances reached $20.8 billion, a 31.7% increase compared to the same period the year before. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Pakistan received $30.3 billion in remittances, a 10.7% rise from the previous year, mainly from Pakistani workers in the Middle East.