AI, Gulf policy shifts threaten migrant jobs

At an international migration conference in Lahore, economists warned that artificial intelligence and changing Gulf labour rules could put up to seven in 10 jobs commonly held by migrants at risk. Dr Nasir Iqbal of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics said current remittance flows could obscure a future weakening in overseas job opportunities.

Speakers said Gulf employers were placing greater weight on workers’ skills, while access to traditional roles for low- and semi-skilled migrants was becoming more restricted. They also discussed European border measures, irregular migration and the need for skill recognition systems. Pakistan’s migration continues to include Gulf-bound workers as well as more skilled movement to Western countries, with speakers identifying skill mismatches and geopolitical conflict as challenges.