The federal government has announced a plan to send 800,000 Pakistani citizens abroad for work in 2026. This is an increase from last year, when around 740,000 Pakistanis found employment overseas. The move is part of the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment at home and increase foreign remittances.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, said that there is a growing demand for skilled Pakistani workers in different parts of the world. He explained that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remain a major destination, but opportunities are also increasing in other international markets.
To help Pakistani workers compete better globally, the government has started new training programs. These include soft skills and technical training initiatives in partnership with countries like South Korea and Japan. The goal is to improve communication skills, work ethics, and professional behavior, along with technical abilities, so workers can meet international standards.
The government has also made an important change to support women who want to work abroad. The minimum age requirement for women seeking overseas employment has been reduced from 35 years to 25 years. This decision is expected to open more job opportunities for young women and encourage greater female participation in the overseas workforce.
In addition, authorities are working on reforms to make overseas employment safer and more organized. These reforms aim to protect workers’ rights, prevent exploitation, and ensure that Pakistanis working abroad are treated with dignity and respect.
This information is shared for general awareness and is based on available reports. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, people are advised to consult official government sources.
