Islamabad, Aug 7, 2025: In 2025, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the top destination for Pakistani workers mainly due to strong job demand from Vision 2030 projects. At the same time, the UAE and other Gulf countries are seeing drops in worker interest due to stricter visa rules and rising living expenses.
Waqas Naeem, a digital media expert who recently visited both countries, said, “Dubai is now facing visa delays, more rejections, and high costs. In comparison, Saudi Arabia is easier to enter and more affordable for daily living.”
Living Costs and Job Demand
According to Naeem, international companies are also moving to the Kingdom. He explained that a salary of AED 2,500–3,000 in Dubai barely covers rent and food, but in Saudi Arabia, that same amount stretches much further.
Official data supports this shift. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) reported that over 242,000 Pakistanis got jobs in Saudi Arabia in the first half of 2025 — more than 70% of total overseas employment. The UAE, by contrast, registered just 13,865 — down 94% from 2022.
Visa Troubles in the UAE
Riyadh-based investment banker Mustafa Fahim said many are avoiding the UAE due to “increasingly strict visa rules.” Even current workers are facing issues with renewals. He added that skilled IT professionals might still get in through tech visas, but Saudi Arabia remains a better option for most people — both blue- and white-collar workers.
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Rejections and Rising Concerns
Education consultant Ayesha Razzaque noted that many Pakistanis, especially men, are being denied visit and work visas for the UAE. Even university staff with job offers have seen their applications rejected. This may be due to concerns over people overstaying visit visas to look for work.
She also mentioned that Pakistan’s interior minister recently met UAE officials to seek visa relief. So far, only minor concessions have been reported for government workers.
READ MORE: Saudi Arabia New Job Transfer Rules: What They Means for Pakistani Workers
Other Countries Gaining Interest
Beyond the Gulf, countries like Germany and Turkiye are slowly becoming attractive for Pakistani workers. Germany welcomed 523 Pakistani IT professionals in the first half of 2025, while Turkiye accepted 1,688 — many of them postgraduate students, especially in MBA programs.
Experts say Pakistan must act quickly to take full advantage of the current demand in Saudi Arabia. “This window won’t last forever,” said Naeem. “We need to make the most of Vision 2030 while it’s still open.”
