Around 250,000 Pakistanis moved abroad during the first four months of 2026 in search of better Jobs and improved living conditions, according to official documents obtained by local media.
Saudi Arabia remained the top destination for Pakistani workers during this period. Data shows that more than 136,000 Pakistanis traveled to the kingdom for employment opportunities.
The United Arab Emirates also saw a major rise in arrivals from Pakistan. Around 50,000 Pakistanis reportedly went to Dubai in just four months. Last year, the total number for the entire year stood at nearly 52,500.
Qatar was another leading destination for overseas Jobs, attracting around 25,500 Pakistanis. Bahrain also received more than 10,000 Pakistani workers during the same period.
Smaller numbers of Pakistanis also moved to countries including Turkey, the United Kingdom, China, Greece, Iraq, Japan, and the United States. Officials said no departures were recorded for destinations such as Greenland, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, and West Africa.
The data revealed that labourers made up the largest group among those leaving Pakistan. Around 150,000 labourers reportedly went abroad in search of better wages and stable employment.
Thousands of drivers also moved overseas for work opportunities. The figures included more than 45,000 drivers, along with cooks, electricians, mechanics, operators, welders, and artists.
The migration trend was not limited to labour workers. A large number of skilled professionals also left the country for overseas Jobs. The documents showed that over 1,000 doctors went abroad during the first four months of the year.
The data also included around 2,000 engineers, hundreds of nurses, accountants, agricultural specialists, and IT experts. Experts believe many skilled individuals are leaving Pakistan due to economic pressure and better salary packages overseas.
Analysts say the growing number of people moving abroad reflects increasing concerns over unemployment, inflation, and limited career opportunities inside the country. Many workers are now looking toward Gulf countries and other international markets for financial stability.
Overseas employment has long remained an important source of income for Pakistan through remittances sent back home. However, experts warn that the continued departure of skilled workers could create long-term challenges for local industries and healthcare services.
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The latest figures highlight the strong demand for foreign Jobs among Pakistanis as economic uncertainty continues to affect many families across the country.
