Over 15 million Pakistanis have gone abroad for jobs, Senate told
The Senate was told that over 15 million Pakistanis have registered for overseas employment since 1971. Saudi Arabia tops destinations, while remittances remain vital. Government plans new labour agreements and skills programs.
ISLAMABAD: More than 15 million Pakistanis have travelled abroad for employment over the past five decades, according to figures presented in the Senate.
The data was shared by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, which said over 15 million citizens had been registered for overseas employment since the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment began maintaining records in 1971.
Saudi Arabia remained the leading destination for Pakistani workers, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Malaysia.
Officials said the majority of overseas Pakistanis are employed in sectors including construction, transport, manufacturing, domestic services and skilled technical professions.
The ministry noted that overseas employment continues to play a significant role in supporting Pakistan's economy through workers' remittances, which remain one of the country's largest sources of foreign exchange.
The government said it is continuing efforts to expand overseas employment opportunities by signing labour agreements with additional countries and enhancing skill development programmes to meet international market demands.
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