In the first three months of 2025, Saudi Arabia has become the most popular destination for Pakistani workers, receiving about 70% of all people who went abroad for jobs. This marks a big change from the past when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was a major choice for overseas employment.
The shift is mainly due to new and stricter visa rules in the UAE. These changes have made it harder for Pakistani workers to enter, which caused a sharp drop in emigration to the UAE. As a result, only 4% of Pakistani workers went to the UAE in the first quarter of this year. Despite the decline, the UAE still plays an important role in trade and the flow of money (remittances) back to Pakistan.
Experts believe that if the UAE simplifies its visa process again, it could regain its former position as a leading destination for workers. Easier rules and better job opportunities would encourage more Pakistanis to go there for work.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to attract more Pakistani workers with its stable job market and smoother visa procedures. This growing trend shows a change in where Pakistanis are choosing to go for employment. It also reflects how government policies in other countries can have a big impact on Pakistan’s workforce abroad.
The increase in workers going to Saudi Arabia may also help boost Pakistan’s economy through more remittances, as people working abroad send money back home. These changes show how important it is to monitor and respond to international labor market trends to support the livelihoods of millions of Pakistani families.
