In a notable surge, over 860,000 Pakistanis embarked on journeys abroad in search of employment opportunities during the calendar year 2023, marking the highest number recorded since 2015.

Data released by the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment unveils a significant increase from the 832,339 individuals who left the country in 2022.

Occupational breakdown

The breakdown of statistics paints a comprehensive picture of the diverse workforce seeking opportunities abroad. A substantial 385,892 laborers and 196,575 drivers took the lead, underscoring the prevalence of manual and transportation-related professions.

However, the emigrants also include professionals such as 8,741 engineers, 7,390 accountants, 3,486 doctors, and 1,533 teachers.

A closer look at the skill distribution reveals that 22,760 highly qualified and 45,687 highly skilled individuals form part of the exodus, showcasing a broad spectrum of expertise leaving the country.

The data further highlights 314,932 skilled workers, 86,593 semi-skilled individuals, and a majority of 392,653 unskilled workers seeking employment opportunities abroad.

Top destinations

Saudi Arabia emerges as the most sought-after destination, attracting 426,951 workers, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 229,894 individuals. Other notable countries on the list include Qatar (55,112), Oman (60,046), Malaysia (20,905), Bahrain (13,345), Greece (2,914), Romania (4,947), and Iraq (4,307).

However, it is crucial to note that the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment data solely encompasses individuals registered with the Bureau, excluding those moving abroad for educational purposes or through direct immigration routes.

This mass migration underscores the persistent challenges in the local job market and the aspirations of the Pakistani workforce to explore better opportunities on the international stage.

The implications of this trend raise questions about the impact on the national economy, workforce dynamics, and the potential measures needed to address the root causes of such a significant migration trend.