Pakistan sent 727,381 skilled workers to Middle Eastern and European countries in 2024, a record figure aimed at reducing unemployment and increasing remittances, state-run media reported on Thursday.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), most workers were employed in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, while a significant number also secured jobs in European nations.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development credited the achievement to "aggressive marketing strategies, improved facilitation, and strengthened ties with international employers."
"This landmark achievement is a shining testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to providing Pakistani workers with lucrative employment opportunities abroad," the APP report stated.
Pakistan’s workforce plays a crucial role in supporting the economy, with remittances serving as a vital source of foreign exchange amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges. The surge in overseas employment is expected to positively impact economic stability by increasing foreign inflows.
In January, Overseas Pakistanis Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasised the government’s focus on expanding opportunities in Saudi Arabia while ensuring a better-skilled workforce to enhance competitiveness in the Middle Eastern job market.
Pakistan annually sends around one million skilled workers abroad, contributing to both economic growth and foreign exchange reserves.
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