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Emigration and immigration

Pakistan's Overseas Employment: A Lifeline for the Economy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan's Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has facilitated the provision of overseas employment for over 10 million Pakistanis since its inception in 1971. The Bureau has registered a significant increase in foreign job seekers, with around 336,999 Pakistanis proceeding abroad for employment between January 1 and June 30 this year. The data from concerned departments indicates that the number of foreign job seekers is growing steadily, with 120,913 foreign jobs available out of a total of 264,497, as of the last update.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 10 million Pakistanis have been provided with overseas employment through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment since 1971.
  • In 2015, a record 946,571 Pakistanis proceeded abroad for employment purposes, the highest number to date.
  • The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment regulates, facilitates, and monitors the emigration process, including collection, compilation, and tabulation of emigration data.
  • The main functions of the Bureau include controlling and regulating emigration under the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, and promoting the emigration of Pakistani citizens.
  • The Bureau advises the Federal Government on emigration policies and procedures, monitors and supervises Overseas Employment Promoters, and provides pre-departure briefings to emigrants.
  • The Bureau also facilitates the processing of Overseas Employment Promoters (OEP) licenses and ensures mandatory insurance coverage for Pakistani workers abroad.

Statistics:

  • 10 million+ Pakistanis have been provided with overseas employment through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment since 1971.
  • 336,999 Pakistanis proceeded abroad for employment between January 1 and June 30 this year.
  • 120,913 foreign jobs are available out of a total of 264,497.
  • 946,571 Pakistanis proceeded abroad for employment in 2015, the highest number to date.
  • The Bureau has been maintaining a comprehensive statistical record of all migrant workers since 1971.

Sources:

  • [Pakistan's Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment official data]
  • [Pakistan's Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development]
  • [Emigration Ordinance, 1979]
  • [State Life Emigrants Insurance Fund (SLEIF)]
  • [Concerned departments' data]

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