Islamabad, 7 August 7: Approximately 337,000 Pakistanis secured overseas employment from January to June 2025, contributing significantly to the national economy, according to data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), a division of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
An official source revealed that 131,817 foreign job opportunities remain available out of 275,669 registered positions, with 143,854 already filled.
Since its establishment in 1971, the BEOE has facilitated overseas employment for over 10 million Pakistanis, with a peak of 946,571 workers migrating abroad in 2015. The official emphasized that overseas employment plays a critical role in supporting Pakistan’s economy by funding debt servicing, import bills, poverty alleviation, and development projects.
The BEOE regulates and monitors the emigration process, overseeing Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) in the private sector and supporting individuals seeking jobs abroad through personal networks or direct employment. The bureau maintains comprehensive statistical records of migrant workers, providing essential data for policy planning by the Economic Division and other government bodies.
Key functions of the BEOE include regulating emigration under the Emigration Ordinance of 1979, promoting overseas job opportunities, and safeguarding the welfare of Pakistani workers abroad. The bureau operates seven Protectorates of Emigrants Offices to supervise OEPs, process licenses, and provide pre-departure briefings to emigrants. It also ensures mandatory insurance coverage for workers and manages the State Life Emigrants Insurance Fund (SLEIF). Additionally, the BEOE negotiates Memoranda of Understanding with foreign countries to enhance manpower exports.
The steady flow of overseas employment continues to bolster Pakistan’s economic stability, underscoring the BEOE’s pivotal role in facilitating and regulating this vital sector.
