Pakistan lost 317,000 skilled workers—including doctors, engineers and IT specialists—in the first half of 2026, official data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reveals. The exodus marks a 42% jump from the same period last year, with professionals citing economic instability, internet shutdowns and soaring inflation as key push factors.

The Bureau’s latest quarterly report, released on 15 July 2026, shows that 189,000 men and 128,000 women left the country between 1 January and 30 June 2026. Of these, 112,000 were IT professionals, 98,000 were engineers, and 74,000 were medical doctors. The remaining 33,000 included accountants, teachers and skilled technicians.

The figures come as Pakistan’s economy grapples with a current account deficit of $12.4 billion in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025-26, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. Inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, hit 38.6% in May 2026, the highest in decades, eroding salaries and savings. Frequent internet shutdowns—including a nationwide blackout on 23 May 2026—have also disrupted remote work and freelancing, a major income source for IT professionals.

Where are they going?

Pakistan’s skilled workers are heading primarily to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Canada, the UK and Australia. Saudi Arabia remains the top destination, absorbing 45% of the outflow, followed by the UAE with 28%. Canada’s tech-friendly immigration policies have made it a magnet for IT professionals, while the UK and Australia are drawing doctors and engineers through accelerated visa pathways.

  • Saudi Arabia: 142,650 workers (45%)
  • UAE: 88,760 workers (28%)
  • Canada: 41,340 workers (13%)
  • UK: 25,210 workers (8%)
  • Australia: 19,040 workers (6%)

Why now?

The exodus accelerated after the Rs 1,700 billion mini-budget of February 2026, which introduced new taxes on freelancers and IT exports. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also tightened documentation requirements for overseas remittances, making it harder for families to receive money from abroad. Meanwhile, the Rs 250 billion relief package for IT exporters announced in March 2026 has yet to reach most firms, leaving many in limbo.

Doctors cite strikes by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) over delayed salary payments and unsafe working conditions in public hospitals. Engineers point to delays in mega-projects like the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Karachi Circular Railway, which have stalled due to funding gaps. IT professionals complain of unreliable internet and power cuts, which make remote work impossible during shutdowns.

What this means for Pakistan

The brain drain is costing the economy an estimated $3.2 billion in lost human capital annually, according to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics. The exodus is also worsening shortages in critical sectors:

  • Healthcare: Pakistan already has one doctor per 1,300 people, below the WHO’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000. The loss of 74,000 doctors in six months deepens the crisis.
  • Engineering: The construction sector, already hit by inflation, faces delays in infrastructure projects.
  • IT sector: The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) reports a 15% decline in IT exports in the first quarter of 2026, as firms struggle to retain talent.

What can you do?

If you’re considering leaving or staying, here’s what the data says about your options:

  • For doctors: The PMDC’s overseas registration exam (ORE) is now mandatory for those seeking to work abroad. Register at www.pmdc.pk before applying to UK, Australian or Canadian medical boards.
  • For engineers: The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has streamlined its foreign employment certification process. Apply online at www.pec.org.pk with your degree and experience certificates.
  • For IT professionals: The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) offers freelancer registration and tax exemptions for exports. Check eligibility at www.pseb.org.pk.
  • For families: The State Bank of Pakistan has relaxed rules for remittances from abroad. You can now receive up to $5,000 per month without prior approval, but documentation is still required.

What to watch next

- July 2026: The government is expected to announce a new ‘Knowledge Economy’ policy aimed at retaining IT professionals. Details are scarce, but leaks suggest tax breaks for startups and faster internet rollouts.
- August 2026: The Pakistan Engineering Council will hold a job fair in Lahore and Karachi for engineers seeking local opportunities.
- September 2026: The State Bank of Pakistan will review its remittance policies, potentially easing rules further to encourage overseas Pakistanis to send money home.

The exodus is not just a numbers game—it’s a national emergency. Without urgent action, Pakistan risks losing an entire generation of skilled workers, deepening its economic and social crises. The question now is whether the government will act before it’s too late.

What’s your plan? Are you staying or leaving? Share your thoughts in the comments below.