Pakistan Targets 800,000 Overseas Job Opportunities in UAE and GCC Nations by 2026

Pakistan is strengthening its overseas employment strategy with an ambitious plan to create 800,000 job opportunities for its citizens abroad in 2026, focusing mainly on the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Pakistan has announced plans to facilitate overseas employment for 800,000 nationals in 2026, marking a significant increase from the 740,000 workers deployed abroad in 2025. The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment while boosting foreign remittances that play a vital role in sustaining the national economy.

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, revealed the target during a visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions and industry stakeholders to expand manpower exports. According to reports, this year’s target represents an increase of 60,000 overseas job placements compared to last year.

More than nine million Pakistanis are currently living and working overseas, with the majority employed in GCC countries. The UAE alone hosts over 1.7 million Pakistani nationals who contribute across diverse sectors, ranging from construction and services to healthcare and education.

Overseas Pakistanis continue to play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s economy through remittances. In 2025, expatriates sent an estimated $40 billion back home, providing a vital source of foreign exchange and economic stability.

In addition to the Gulf region, Pakistan is also seeking to diversify employment destinations. In December 2025, Italy announced plans to offer 10,500 job opportunities to Pakistani workers over the next three years in sectors such as shipbreaking, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture.

The overseas employment drive comes amid rising unemployment at home. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan’s unemployment rate stands at 7.5 per cent, one of the highest globally. Government figures further indicate that the unemployed population increased by 31 per cent to 5.9 million during 2024–25.

Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to address challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis. Minister Hussain recently met Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori to discuss the establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis in the province. These courts are expected to ensure faster legal redress and provide significant relief to expatriates facing legal and administrative issues.