Over 66,000 Pakistanis travel abroad for jobs in two months

A total of 66,815 Pakistanis went abroad for employment during July and August, according to official data, as Pakistani workers continued to seek opportunities in international labour markets.

The number of workers traveling overseas for jobs, however, declined in August compared with the previous month, while government-backed interest-free financing continued to support domestic economic opportunities.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, 27,656 Pakistanis went abroad in August in search of employment, compared with 39,159 workers who travelled overseas for jobs in July.

The month-on-month figures show a decline of 11,503 in the number of Pakistanis leaving the country for employment.

The Bureau of Immigration said Pakistani workers were being provided access to the international labour market, allowing them to pursue employment opportunities abroad.

Alongside overseas employment, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund disbursed 5,169 interest-free loans in August, with a combined value of Rs381 million.

The loans were provided to support small businesses, self-employment and financial inclusion, giving recipients access to financing for income-generating activities.

Since 2019, the total disbursement of interest-free loans has reached Rs127 billion, according to the report.

The government is also expanding opportunities for housing and agricultural financing as part of broader efforts to increase access to economic opportunities. These measures are aimed at helping more people access financing, support livelihoods and participate in productive economic activities.

The combination of overseas employment opportunities and domestic financing initiatives is intended to provide more Pakistanis with pathways to improve their economic prospects.

NNI News Service