Quick Answer
The number of Pakistanis securing jobs abroad declined by nearly 20% during the first six months of 2026. Around 317,000 Pakistanis left the country on work visas, compared with 381,249 during the same period of 2025. Overseas employment expert Adnan Paracha has linked the slowdown to the Gulf war and expects approximately 650,000 Pakistanis to travel abroad for work by the end of 2026.
Fewer Pakistanis Secure Jobs Abroad in 2026
Pakistan has recorded a noticeable decline in the number of citizens travelling abroad for employment during 2026.
Around 317,000 Pakistanis left the country on work visas between January and June 2026. During the same six-month period in 2025, the number stood at 381,249. This represents a year-on-year decline of nearly 20%.
The available figures show a slowdown in new overseas employment rather than a decline in the total number of Pakistanis already working abroad.
Some reports described 381,000 as the number of workers who left during the first eight months of 2026. However, the verified comparison identifies 381,249 as the figure for the first six months of 2025. The corresponding figure for the first half of 2026 was approximately 317,000.
Gulf War Blamed for Decline in Employment
Overseas employment expert Adnan Paracha has linked the fall in foreign job opportunities to the Gulf war and the uncertainty created across the region.
Gulf countries have traditionally remained the leading employment destinations for Pakistani workers. Any reduction in hiring, suspension of development projects or change in labour demand in these countries can affect the number of Pakistani workers securing jobs abroad.
However, the Gulf war should be presented as Paracha’s assessment of the situation. No official report has yet established it as the only cause of the decline.
Higher migration costs, stricter work-visa requirements and changing labour-market conditions may also influence overseas employment numbers.
Overseas Employment Could Reach 650,000 This Year
Paracha expects approximately 650,000 Pakistanis to leave the country for employment by the end of 2026.
If this forecast proves correct, the annual number would remain below the 762,499 Pakistanis who registered for overseas employment in 2025. Official records show that Saudi Arabia was the largest destination for Pakistani workers that year.
The projected total of 650,000 would be about 112,500 lower than the previous year, representing a possible annual decline of nearly 15%.
The estimate is a forecast and may change depending on labour demand, visa policies and conditions in Gulf countries during the remaining months of the year.
Government Asked to Secure More Gulf Job Quotas
Paracha has urged the federal government to approach Gulf countries for an increase in employment quotas for Pakistani workers.
Additional quotas could provide more opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Pakistanis seeking work abroad. Government-level talks may also help Pakistan compete with other labour-exporting countries for available positions.
The effectiveness of such efforts would depend on the employment needs and immigration policies of the destination countries.
Why Overseas Workers Matter to Pakistan
Overseas Pakistanis are an important source of financial support for their families and the national economy.
Money sent home by overseas workers helps households meet expenses related to food, education, healthcare and housing. These inflows also provide Pakistan with foreign currency and support the country’s external payments.
The reference claim that overseas Pakistanis remit “Rs49 billion annually” is not supported by the confirmed annual figures.
Pakistan received $41.585 billion in workers’ remittances during fiscal year 2025–26. This was an 8.6% increase from the $38.3 billion received in fiscal year 2024–25.
Saudi Arabia contributed approximately $9.78 billion during FY2025–26, while the United Arab Emirates contributed around $8.81 billion. The United Kingdom, other Gulf countries and the United States were also major sources of remittances.
Could Fewer Overseas Jobs Affect Remittances?
A continued decline in new overseas employment could create challenges for the future growth of remittances. Fewer workers securing jobs abroad may eventually mean slower growth in the number of people sending money to Pakistan.
However, the decline in new employment has not yet resulted in an annual fall in remittances. Pakistan recorded its highest-ever annual workers’ remittances during FY2025–26.
Remittance levels depend on several factors besides the number of new workers travelling abroad. These include workers’ earnings, exchange rates, economic conditions in host countries and the use of formal banking channels.
It would therefore be inaccurate to claim that the current decline in overseas jobs has already caused remittances to fall.
Remittances Rise to $3.63 Billion in July
Pakistan received approximately $3.63 billion in workers’ remittances during July 2026.
The figure was around 13% higher than in July 2025 and 4.5% above the previous month. Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances, contributing about $913.9 million. It was followed by the UAE with approximately $737.3 million and the UK with around $555.5 million.
These figures show that remittance inflows remained strong despite the decline in the number of Pakistanis securing new overseas jobs.
Current Account Deficit Falls to $328 Million
Pakistan recorded a current account deficit of $328 million in July 2026, compared with $529 million in July 2025.
The deficit declined by 38% on a year-on-year basis. It was also considerably lower than the revised deficit of $814 million recorded in June 2026.
Higher exports and strong remittance inflows helped reduce pressure on the current account. Goods exports reached approximately $3 billion during July, while remittances provided another major source of foreign exchange.
A smaller deficit means the gap between Pakistan’s foreign exchange receipts and external payments narrowed. It does not mean that the current account moved into surplus.
What Could Happen Next?
Overseas employment figures will depend heavily on regional stability, demand for workers and visa policies in Gulf countries.
If conditions remain uncertain, Pakistan may struggle to reach the employment levels recorded in 2025. If Paracha’s forecast is achieved, around 650,000 Pakistanis could travel abroad for work during 2026.
Government efforts to secure employment quotas and prepare workers for jobs demanded in foreign markets could also influence the final annual figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pakistanis went abroad for employment in early 2026?
Around 317,000 Pakistanis travelled abroad on work visas during the first six months of 2026.
How much did overseas employment decline?
The number declined by nearly 20% compared with the first six months of 2025, when 381,249 Pakistanis went abroad for employment.
Why are overseas job opportunities declining?
Adnan Paracha has linked the decline to the Gulf war. Migration costs, stricter requirements and changing labour demand may also affect the figures.
How many Pakistanis could go abroad for work in 2026?
Paracha expects the annual number to reach approximately 650,000, but this remains a forecast.
How many Pakistanis went abroad for employment in 2025?
Official records show that 762,499 Pakistani workers registered for overseas employment in 2025.
How much did Pakistan receive in remittances during FY2025–26?
Pakistan received a record $41.585 billion in workers’ remittances during the fiscal year.
Have remittances declined because of fewer overseas jobs?
No annual decline has been recorded so far. Remittances rose during FY2025–26 and reached approximately $3.63 billion in July 2026.
What was Pakistan’s current account deficit in July 2026?
The current account deficit stood at $328 million, down 38% from $529 million in July 2025.
Article Details
Category: Job
Published:
Author: Rabia
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