1. Introduction

The first quarter of 2025 has brought a wave of surprising shifts in global labor migration, especially for Pakistanis seeking opportunities in the Gulf. One of the most unexpected changes has been the dramatic slowdown in migration to the United Arab Emirates.

Traditionally a top destination for Pakistani workers for decades, the UAE received only 6,891 Pakistani migrants during Q1 2025. This accounted for just 4 percent of the total workforce that migrated abroad.

In contrast, Oman, once seen as a secondary option, has emerged as a new hotspot. It welcomed 8,331 Pakistani workers during the same period. This article explores the causes, implications, and opportunities behind these shifts—helping job seekers and recruiters navigate the changing Gulf labor landscape.

2. Macro Context of Pakistani Labour Migration in 2025

From January to March 2025, a total of 172,144 Pakistanis went overseas for employment. This means that over 57,000 people, on average, left the country each month in search of better job prospects abroad.

Saudi Arabia led the list by absorbing more than 121,970 Pakistani workers, over 70 percent of the total. Qatar came next with 12,989 migrants, followed by Bahrain with 9,139. Oman’s rise was notable, with 8,331 arrivals.

The UAE, previously among the top two destinations, dropped to fifth place with just 6,891 workers. This drop clearly signals a major change in Gulf labor dynamics.

3. The UAE Slowdown Explained

The UAE has long attracted both blue-collar and white-collar Pakistani workers in sectors like construction, hospitality, security, transport, and retail. But early 2025 saw a sharp decline in this trend.

The key reasons include tightened visa policies and a stronger focus on “Emiratisation.” This government-led initiative aims to increase local employment by reducing reliance on expatriates.

Employers now face penalties if they fail to hire Emirati nationals in certain roles. These changes have made it more difficult for recruitment agencies to place Pakistani workers in the UAE as they once did.

4. Oman’s Rise in Pakistani Migration

While the UAE saw a decline, Oman experienced growth. With 8,331 Pakistani arrivals in Q1 2025, Oman became the fourth-largest destination for Pakistani workers.

Despite its smaller economy, Oman’s stable immigration policies and long-term national vision have opened new opportunities. The country is investing in infrastructure and expanding sectors such as construction, logistics, and oil and gas.

Many Pakistani workers now see Oman as a stable and cost-effective alternative. The cost of living is also lower compared to cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

5. Hard Numbers: Comparing UAE vs Oman Flows

In Q1 2025, Oman received 8,331 Pakistani workers, while the UAE only took in 6,891. Oman surpassed the UAE by 1,440 workers.

Oman accounted for nearly 11 percent of all overseas Pakistani labor, while the UAE represented just 4 percent. This is a sharp reversal from previous years, when the UAE often attracted double or triple the number of workers compared to Oman.

6. Visa and Policy Dynamics

Visa policy is a major factor in these shifts. Oman offers a relatively stable and transparent visa process, allowing employers and agencies to plan effectively.

In contrast, the UAE has made frequent changes to its labor laws and visa regulations. These sudden adjustments, often linked to nationalisation policies, have introduced uncertainty.

The UAE is also more selective in issuing visas for lower-skilled jobs, a category where many Pakistani workers typically find employment.

7. Economic Drivers in Oman

Oman is undergoing a significant economic transformation under its Vision 2040 plan. The country is working to reduce its reliance on oil by expanding sectors like tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and green energy.

Major infrastructure projects are underway, requiring skilled and semi-skilled labor. These include roads, ports, and industrial zones.

This development has boosted demand for workers in trades like electrical work, plumbing, equipment operation, and general construction. Pakistani workers are well-suited to meet these needs.

8. Omani Labour Market Breakdown

As of Q1 2025, Oman’s workforce stood at around 1.81 million. About 80 percent of the private sector workforce consists of expatriates.

Bangladeshi workers dominate, followed by Indians and Pakistanis. The number of Pakistani workers in Oman’s private sector grew by 8.8 percent year-on-year, reaching roughly 315,000.

Sectors such as construction, retail, domestic work, and security services rely heavily on Pakistani labor.

9. Pakistan Remittance Trends and Impact

Remittances tell a powerful story. In March 2025 alone, Pakistani overseas workers sent home $4.1 billion—a 37 percent increase from March 2024.

Monthly remittance averages from the Gulf region hover around $3.7 billion. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman play key roles in this flow.

Oman’s strong currency, the Omani Rial, has an exchange rate of nearly 749 Pakistani Rupees per Rial. This means even modest earnings there can provide significant financial support to families back home.

10. Pros and Cons of Migrating to Oman Versus the UAE

For job seekers, the decision between Oman and the UAE now requires deeper evaluation.

Oman offers stability, clear visa procedures, and a growing job market. The cost of living is lower, and the currency conversion is highly favorable.

However, Oman’s economy is smaller and provides fewer high-paying white-collar roles compared to the UAE. The UAE still offers more jobs in sectors like finance, IT, aviation, and corporate management, but access has become more restricted.

11. Skills in Demand

According to the Bureau of Emigration, top occupations for Gulf-bound Pakistanis in Q1 2025 include:

• Drivers (38,274)

• Technicians (3,474)

• Electricians (2,130)

• Masons (1,859)

• Cooks (1,689)

• Engineers (1,479)

• Welders (1,058)

• Doctors (849)

• Nurses (390)

Oman reflects similar trends, with demand for construction and healthcare workers. The country is also beginning to seek IT support and hospitality staff as its tourism sector grows.

12. Recruitment Strategy Shifts

Pakistani recruitment agencies are realigning their efforts. With the UAE market shrinking, agencies are focusing more on Oman, and mostly prioritizing Oman for its placements. They assist candidates with trade certifications, Arabic language courses, and cultural orientation—making them more competitive.

13. Policy Recommendations for Pakistan

Pakistan can better support its workforce abroad by expanding vocational training in rural and underserved regions.

Programs should align with Oman’s labor market needs, such as electrical systems, caregiving, construction safety, and HVAC.

Streamlining emigration, mandating pre-departure orientations, and strengthening worker protection services abroad will improve the migration experience.

14. Opportunities for Greenland Overseas

As a licensed manpower agency, Greenland Overseas is well-placed to respond to shifting market needs.

The agency provides comprehensive services, including:

• Skill training

• Document handling

• Visa assistance

• Overseas job placement

It also partners with certified institutes to deliver trade tests and certifications recognized in Gulf markets. Greenland’s growing network of Omani employers offers continuous job openings for Pakistani candidates.

15. Comparative Outlook: Gulf Prospects 2025 to 2030

Saudi Arabia will likely remain the top labor destination for Pakistanis through 2030. However, Oman’s steady growth and consistent policies suggest it will continue as a strong secondary option.

Qatar and Bahrain will also attract workers in targeted industries such as hospitality and healthcare. The UAE’s future depends on the balance between its Emiratisation goals and economic expansion.

16. Future Forecast for Oman Migration

If current trends hold, Oman could welcome 35,000 to 40,000 Pakistani workers annually by 2026.

Continued investment in infrastructure and economic diversification will drive demand for skilled and semi-skilled labor. Key sectors will include construction, logistics, and healthcare.

17. Risks and Challenges

Despite the positive trends, migration always carries risks. Pakistani workers in Oman may face issues like unclear contracts, delayed wages, limited legal protection, or cultural adjustment challenges.

Agencies such as Greenland Overseas are addressing these risks through pre-departure briefings, on-ground support in Oman, and active grievance redressal services.

18. Success Stories or Case Studies

There are countless real-life stories of Pakistanis who have improved their livelihoods through work in Oman.

From a young electrician in Swat who funded his family’s new home, to a nurse in Sialkot supporting her children’s education—these human stories show the positive impact of responsible labor migration.

Sharing these stories can inspire others to pursue similar opportunities with awareness and preparation.

19. Action Plan for Prospective Migrants

Pakistani workers interested in migrating to Oman should follow a step-by-step plan:

1. Evaluate your skills and check if they match Oman’s labor needs.

2. Register with a licensed recruitment agency. We support you in this regard.

3. Enroll in vocational training or Arabic language courses.

4. Understand your employment contract thoroughly before departure.

5. Stay informed by regularly visiting the official sites of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and the Ministry of Labour Oman.

By staying prepared and well-informed, Pakistani job seekers can make the most of the opportunities that Oman and the Gulf region continue to offer.

20. Conclusion

The first quarter of 2025 has marked a clear turning point in the landscape of Pakistani labor migration, especially within the Gulf region. The slowdown in UAE opportunities and the parallel rise in demand from Oman reflect deeper shifts in visa policies, economic strategies, and labor market preferences. For Pakistani workers and recruitment agencies, adapting to these changes is not just important — it’s essential for long-term success.

Oman’s stability, clear visa processes, and strategic investments in infrastructure have made it an increasingly attractive destination. Pakistani workers with in-demand skills, proper certifications, and cultural readiness are finding rewarding opportunities there. Meanwhile, agencies like Greenland Overseas are playing a key role in guiding and preparing candidates for this evolving landscape.

As the Gulf countries diversify their economies and adjust their labor needs, Pakistan must keep pace. That means investing in vocational training, modernizing recruitment practices, and improving worker protections. With the right support from both government and private sectors, the migration journey can be safer, more dignified, and more prosperous for thousands of Pakistani families.

For those planning to work abroad, staying informed is half the battle. Following updates from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and Oman’s Ministry of Labour will be crucial in making smart, secure migration decisions in the years ahead.

FAQs

1. Why has migration of Pakistani workers to the UAE decreased in 2025?
The decline is mainly due to stricter visa policies and the UAE’s Emiratisation initiative, which prioritizes local hiring and penalizes companies that don’t meet national employment quotas.

2. Why is Oman becoming a more popular destination for Pakistani workers?
Oman offers stable visa policies, a growing economy, and a lower cost of living. Its Vision 2040 plan is driving demand for skilled labor in sectors like construction, logistics, and oil and gas.

3. How many Pakistani workers migrated abroad in Q1 2025?
A total of 172,144 Pakistanis went overseas for work between January and March 2025, averaging over 57,000 departures each month.

4. Which Gulf country received the most Pakistani workers in Q1 2025?
Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, absorbing over 121,970 Pakistani workers—more than 70% of the total overseas migration.

5. What types of jobs are in demand for Pakistanis in Oman?
High-demand roles include electricians, technicians, drivers, masons, welders, nurses, and cooks. There’s also growing demand in hospitality and IT due to tourism expansion.

6. What is the role of recruitment agencies like Greenland Overseas?
Greenland Overseas is shifting focus to Oman and offers services such as skill training, visa support, job placement, and cultural orientation to help workers succeed abroad.

7. How much did Pakistani workers remit in March 2025?
They sent home $4.1 billion in March alone—a 37% increase from the same month in 2024, highlighting the strong economic impact of overseas employment.

8. What makes Oman’s visa policy attractive compared to the UAE?
Oman provides a stable and transparent visa process, allowing employers and recruitment agencies to plan confidently, unlike the UAE’s frequent policy changes.

9. What should Pakistani workers do to prepare for working in Oman?
They should assess their skills, enroll in vocational or language training, understand their contracts, and register with licensed agencies like Greenland Overseas for proper guidance.

10. What is the long-term outlook for Pakistani migration to Oman?
If current trends continue, Oman could receive 35,000 to 40,000 Pakistani workers annually by 2026, driven by infrastructure growth and labor market stability.