ISLAMABAD, JAN 17: Pakistan sent more than 762,000 workers abroad in 2025, while overseas Pakistanis contributed nearly $40 billion in remittances, reflecting growing labor mobility and improved economic engagement, according to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis stated that a total of 762,499 individuals were sent abroad for employment in 2025. The figure reflects increased overseas job opportunities and renewed labor agreements with multiple countries.
Officials said these developments have helped expand legal employment channels for Pakistani workers.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis rose by 9 percent in 2025, reaching nearly $40 billion.
The inflow was described as a major support for Pakistan’s economy, helping stabilize foreign exchange reserves and strengthen economic resilience.
New labour agreements and visa openings
During the year, Pakistan signed labor mobility agreements with Italy, Belarus, and Iraq, expanding employment options for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
In a major breakthrough, Qatar reissued work visas for Pakistani workers after a gap of 19 years, reopening a key destination for overseas employment.
Stronger monitoring
The ministry introduced the e-Protector system to strengthen monitoring and ensure transparency in overseas employment processes.
As part of enforcement actions, licenses of 71 overseas employment promoters were canceled due to failure to meet performance and regulatory requirements.
Several welfare initiatives were expanded in 2025 to support expatriates and their families. The marriage grant was increased from Rs400,000 to Rs600,000, while the death grant was raised from Rs800,000 to Rs1,000,000, according to the spokesperson.
Officials said these steps aim to provide greater financial security to overseas workers and their dependents.
For the first time, civil awards were announced for 16 overseas Pakistanis in 2025, recognizing their contributions to the country.
The ministry also stated that the establishment of special courts for expatriates would help speed up the resolution of long-standing property disputes faced by overseas Pakistanis.
The spokesperson confirmed that the second Overseas Pakistanis Convention is expected to be held in April 2026, providing a platform to address expatriate concerns and policy reforms.
