Gulf job exodus continues for Pakistanis despite Middle East conflict

Despite the war in the Gulf region, Pakistani workers have continued to seek and secure employment in Middle Eastern countries, particularly during March. Official data reveals that from January to May, over 300,000 Pakistanis found jobs in states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Saudi Arabia being the primary destination.

This trend persisted even though Saudi Arabia was drawn into the conflict and faced attacks, and the UAE, a key destination, was considered a potential target. The war, though brief, was followed by intermittent strikes and retaliatory attacks, fueling regional uncertainty and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of Pakistanis were observed queuing for visas at the Dubai consulate in Karachi during March.

The continued emigration of Pakistani workers is playing a crucial role in sustaining remittance inflows. These remittances had been expected to weaken but instead reached a record $4.2 billion in May. Total inflows for the fiscal year are now projected to surpass the $40 billion target, underscoring the economic significance of overseas employment for Pakistan.