Labour and driving jobs dominate Pakistan’s overseas employment

Islamabad: Data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) indicates that nearly 80% of Pakistanis seeking jobs abroad are employed in labour and driving professions. Officials say this trend reflects strong international demand for skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Pakistan. Overseas employment continues to play a critical role in supporting remittance inflows, which significantly contribute to the country’s economy. Analysts note that the dominance of these professions among expatriates highlights Pakistan’s comparative advantage in labour-intensive sectors and underscores the importance of developing training programs to maintain global competitiveness. Can targeted skill development further enhance Pakistan’s overseas employment and remittance growth?