On 23 July 2026, the Government of Pakistan launched its first National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026, marking a major shift in the country’s approach to labour migration. The policy was funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The five key pillars of the policy are: (i) promoting safe, orderly, and regular emigration; (ii) skills development; (iii) protection and welfare; (iv) diaspora engagement; and (v) return and reintegration. In a world where labour markets are increasingly becoming digital, automated, and AI-driven, this policy can help Pakistan diversify and upgrade its labour force to meet evolving global demand.

Labour migration has always been a major part of Pakistan’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s macroeconomic stability. In FY2026, remittances from Pakistani workers reached a record US$41.6 billion, representing an increase of 8.6 per cent over the previous fiscal year. However, Pakistan’s overseas workforce remains overwhelmingly concentrated in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In 2025, more than 92 per cent of all registered emigrants moved to GCC countries, while during the first half of 2026, up to June, nearly 89 per cent of total registered emigrants continued to head to the region. Saudi Arabia remained the largest destination, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.

While the Gulf remains the primary destination for Pakistani........

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