Overseas employment has become a defining aspect of Pakistan’s economy and society, with millions of skilled and unskilled workers seeking opportunities abroad each year. As of 2024, over 13.5 million Pakistanis are employed overseas, and 325,000 more have already left in the first half of this year alone.

This mass migration is not just about individual aspirations — it is an economic lifeline for Pakistan. The remittances sent by overseas workers contribute nearly 6.5% to the national GDP, strengthening foreign exchange reserves and supporting millions of families. However, while overseas employment presents countless opportunities, it also brings challenges, requiring careful management by both the government and recruitment agencies.

Why Are Pakistanis Seeking Jobs Abroad?

Several factors drive Pakistanis to seek employment outside the country:

1. Limited Job Opportunities at Home: Rising unemployment and economic instability have made overseas employment an attractive option for many young Pakistanis.
2. Higher Wages and Better Living Standards: Salaries abroad — especially in the Middle East, Europe, and North America — are significantly higher than in Pakistan, even for similar job roles.
3. Strong Diplomatic and Cultural Ties: Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Malaysia have historically welcomed Pakistani workers due to strong bilateral relations.
4. Government-Facilitated Migration Policies: Initiatives by Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE) and Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) have streamlined the process for workers to find jobs abroad.

The Role of Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs)

Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) are licensed recruitment agencies that play a crucial role in connecting Pakistani workers with international employers. Their responsibilities include:

• Identifying Job Opportunities: OEPs work with foreign companies to find suitable job placements for Pakistani workers in various industries, including construction, healthcare, IT, and hospitality.
• Ensuring Legal Compliance: They facilitate visa processing, contract verification, and pre-departure orientation to ensure workers’ rights are protected.
• Minimizing Fraud and Exploitation: Licensed OEPs provide a legal and regulated pathway to employment, reducing the risk of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment.
• Skill Development and Training: Many OEPs collaborate with vocational training institutes to prepare workers for international job markets.

Despite their critical role, some unscrupulous agents exploit workers by charging excessive fees or providing false job promises. Strengthening government oversight and regulatory mechanisms is essential to ensure that OEPs operate transparently and ethically.

Key Destinations for Pakistani Workers

While the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar — remain the top destinations for Pakistani laborers, new markets are emerging:

• Europe and North America: Countries like Germany, Canada, and the UK are opening doors to skilled professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare.
• Southeast Asia: Malaysia and South Korea have become attractive destinations for Pakistani workers due to competitive wages and better working conditions.
• China: With the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), job opportunities in infrastructure and technology sectors are growing.

Economic Impact of Remittances

Remittances from overseas Pakistanis surpass $30 billion annually, making them a major source of foreign exchange. This inflow helps:

• Stabilize Pakistan’s economy by covering trade deficits and foreign debts.
• Improve living standards for millions of families, reducing poverty.
• Boost small businesses as families invest in housing, education, and entrepreneurship.

However, the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee has increased reliance on remittances, highlighting the need for long-term economic reforms to reduce dependence on foreign labor markets.

Challenges Faced by Overseas Pakistani Workers

While overseas employment offers financial benefits, Pakistani workers often encounter significant hardships:

1. Exploitation by Employers: Many workers face low wages, poor working conditions, and lack of job security, particularly in the Gulf states.
2. Legal and Documentation Issues: Workers often fall victim to visa fraud and contract violations, leading to deportation or legal troubles.
3. Lack of Social Protection: In many host countries, Pakistani workers lack adequate healthcare, legal rights, and labor protections.
4. Human Trafficking and Fraudulent Recruitment: Some unlicensed agents deceive workers with fake job offers, taking hefty payments but failing to deliver employment.

To address these challenges, Pakistan must implement stronger legal protections and negotiate better labor agreements with host countries.

The Future of Overseas Employment in Pakistan

To ensure a sustainable and beneficial overseas employment system, Pakistan must take proactive steps:

1. Enhance Vocational Training: Equipping workers with internationally recognized skills will increase their employability and earning potential.
2. Strengthen Regulations on Recruitment Agencies: More strict oversight is needed to eliminate fraudulent recruiters and ensure transparency in hiring practices.
3. Expand Bilateral Agreements: Pakistan should negotiate new labor agreements with Europe, East Asia, and North America to diversify job markets.
4. Encourage Foreign Investment at Home: Instead of relying solely on migration, Pakistan must boost domestic job creation through industrial and technological growth.

Conclusion

Overseas employment will continue to be a critical driver of economic growth for Pakistan. While remittances provide much-needed financial relief, safeguarding the rights of overseas workers and improving local job prospects must be a national priority.

With strong government policies, ethical recruitment practices, and skill development programs, Pakistan can maximize the benefits of overseas employment while ensuring the safety and prosperity of its workforce.