Saudi Arabia Overtakes UAE as Top Destination for Pakistani Workers in 2025
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- April 16, 2025
- 1:57 pm
- 38
- Current Affairs
In 2025, Saudi Arabia has become the top destination for Pakistani workers. Around 70% of Pakistanis seeking overseas jobs are choosing Saudi Arabia. This marks a major change, as the UAE used to be the most popular choice in previous years.
The shift in trends is largely because of new visa rules in the UAE. These frequent changes to visa procedures have made it harder for many Pakistani workers to get jobs in the UAE. As a result, fewer Pakistanis are going there to work. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has become more appealing due to its simpler and more stable visa policies.
UAE’s Decline: Impact of Stricter Visa Policies
The UAE has long been a top choice for Pakistani workers. It was especially popular in the construction and hospitality sectors. However, new visa policies have caused a sharp decline in Pakistani migration to the UAE. In the first quarter of 2025, only 4% of the total emigration from Pakistan went to the UAE. This is a huge drop from its usual 35% share.
Although there is no official ban on Pakistani workers’ visas in the UAE, the increased visa scrutiny and higher rejection rates have made it more difficult for workers to get jobs there. The UAE has recently made some changes to its policies, allowing Pakistanis to apply for five-year visas. This could help improve things if visa processes continue to ease.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Popularity
In contrast, Saudi Arabia has benefited from these changes. It now receives 70% of all Pakistani workers heading abroad. Experts believe that Saudi Arabia’s steady job market and easy visa policies have made it more attractive. The country is focused on attracting skilled labor, which has led to this rise in migration.
Saudi Arabia is also expanding its infrastructure and creating more job opportunities. Sectors like construction, healthcare, and technology are seeing growing demand for workers. This has made Saudi Arabia a top choice for many Pakistanis. The country is offering stable jobs that continue to draw in workers.
Remittance Growth: A Key Economic Factor
The rise in Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia is expected to increase remittance flows to Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is already one of the largest sources of remittances for Pakistan. With more workers moving there, this trend will likely continue. In fact, the remittance inflow reached a record $4.1 billion in March 2025, surpassing $4 billion for the first time.
The UAE also plays an important role in sending money back to Pakistan. However, with the shift in migration patterns, Saudi Arabia could soon be sending even more remittances. Reports suggest that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE could contribute over 50% of Pakistan’s total remittances in the future.
A Changing Landscape for Pakistani Workers
The shift in migration trends shows how changes in visa policies can affect where Pakistani workers go. As more Pakistanis seek better opportunities abroad, Saudi Arabia is becoming a key player. However, if the UAE makes its visa processes easier, it might regain its place as a leading destination for Pakistani workers.
For now, Saudi Arabia remains the top destination for Pakistani workers. This shift highlights the importance of understanding how labor markets and immigration policies influence migration trends.
