In a notable trend, 860,000 Pakistanis embarked on a journey in 2023, fueled by the pursuit of better job prospects beyond their homeland. This mass migration represents the highest recorded number since 2015, underlining a significant shift in the employment landscape.
Record-Breaking Departures
Published on Jan 10, 2024, by ProPK Staff, the data obtained from the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment reveals a staggering figure of 862,625 Pakistanis registering for overseas employment in 2023. This surpasses the 2022 count of 832,339, marking a substantial increase. Notably, the peak in departures was recorded in 2015, with 946,571 individuals leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad.
Occupational Insights
Delving into the statistics, a breakdown of the departing workforce showcases diverse professional backgrounds. Among the notable categories, 385,892 were laborers, 196,575 were drivers, 8,741 were engineers, 7,390 were accountants, 3,486 were doctors, and 1,533 were teachers.
Skill Sets on the Move
The occupational breakdown further reveals a spectrum of skills migrating. Of those who left, 22,760 were highly qualified, 45,687 were highly skilled, 314,932 were skilled, 86,593 were semi-skilled, and a substantial 392,653 were unskilled, reflecting the diverse composition of the departing workforce.
Destination Dynamics
Saudi Arabia emerged as the primary destination for job seekers, attracting 426,951 workers, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 229,894, Qatar with 55,112, and Oman with 60,046. Additional countries on the list include Malaysia (20,905), Bahrain (13,345), Greece (2,914), Romania (4,947), and Iraq (4,307).
It’s crucial to note that the data from the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment pertains specifically to registered individuals. Those moving abroad for studies or through alternative routes such as direct immigration are not accounted for in this statistical landscape. This comprehensive overview sheds light on the magnitude of the workforce exodus, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of global employment patterns.