Over 317,000 Pakistanis left for jobs abroad in first half of 2026 as economic woes drive exodus

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that 317,436 Pakistani workers went abroad for employment between January and June 2026, according to official figures. The publisher attributed the outflow to weak economic and political conditions, frequent internet suspensions, and climbing joblessness and price pressures. Medical practitioners, software developers, information technology professionals, oil and mechanical engineers, allied health workers and skilled technicians were among those who departed.

Saudi Arabia was the leading destination with 183,951 workers, while the UAE recorded 50,773 and Qatar 34,025. Bahrain (13,329) and Türkiye (4,673) came next, and Cyprus, Greece, Britain and Malaysia also absorbed notable numbers.

Registrations with the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment accounted for 316,848 of those departing, and the Overseas Employment Corporation placed the other 588. The coverage also flagged a lack of technology infrastructure and research centres as a major concern, while experts said the exodus could noticeably lift remittances to the economy.