Another Gulf Country Replaces UAE As Top Employer of Pakistani Workers

Immigration of Pakistani labor workers to the UAE dropped sharply during the first quarter of 2025 (1QCY25), largely due to frequent changes in visa policies, while Saudi Arabia saw a sharp rise, accounting for ~70 percent of total immigration in 1QCY25. Head of Research at JS Global Waqas Ghani told ProPakistani that the UAE’s share in total labor export has fallen to just 4 percent, a significant drop from its historical average of 35 percent. If Pakistan succeeds in getting the UAE to ease immigration policies, remittances could see a substantial boost, he added. Combined with a strengthened framework to curb unofficial channels, remittances from the two countries could potentially contribute over 50 percent of Pakistan’s total remittance inflows going forward (9MFY25 contribution 46 percent).