Decline in Overseas Employment - Pakistan Records 15% Fewer Migrants As Compared to 2023

According to recent research analysis, it has revealed that there was a certain drop in the Pakistani workforce migration in the previous year (2024). In 2024, more than 727,000 Pakistanis left the country to seek job/employment opportunities abroad. This number represents a total 15% decrease as compared to the 862,625 workers who left Pakistan for overseas jobs in 2023. While this a great decline in the number of citizens leaving Pakistan but still it raises concerns about the professionals in Pakistan. Experts are arguing that it is also a decline in the growth and skills gaining opportunities for Pakistani workers.

Impact of Migration on Pakistan’s Economy

Even though less workers are going abroad now but the remittances sent home by overseas Pakistani workforce have played an important role in stabilizing the national economy. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country received a total of $34.634 billion in remittances during the year 2024, and it is a remarkable 31.36% increase in the funds transfers and remittances as compared to the 2023.

Economist Usama Siddiqui highlighted the significance and importance of remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis while stating that they have recently became the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. These funds helps Pakistan maintain the foreign exchange reserves and cover import expenses. Usama Siddiqui warned that without these overseas Pakistani workers and their financial influx Pakistan’s economic situation would have gotten worse significantly. 

Concerns Over Brain Drain

A report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics revealed that 200,000 skilled and professional workers left Pakistan in 2024. This growing brain drain or migration of skilled Pakistani workers raises concerns about the loss of talent and expertise within the country. 

Sheikh Tahir Imran, a Pakistani expatriate in the US, acknowledged the challenges raised by brain drain but pointed out that many professionals face limited growth opportunities within Pakistan. He also highlighted that working abroad allows individuals to gain advanced skills and global experience which can be beneficial if they return to the country and serve Pakistan. 

Opportunities Through Knowledge Transfer

While the loss of skilled workers might be seen as a setback or damage to Pakistan but still many argue that it could pave the way for future opportunities. Pakistani workers in developed countries contribute significantly to knowledge transfer, education and investment. They also bring back expertise and advanced technologies that could aid Pakistan's development. 

Sikandar Salman, a British Pakistani, urged the government and private companies to focus on the millions of professionals still in Pakistan. He also suggested adopting a more positive outlook on brain drain, similar to approach of our neighboring country India, where global achievements of Indian professionals have been celebrated. 

Embracing Global Mobility

In the long run, Pakistan could benefit by embracing the mobility of its skilled workforce. By supporting Pakistani professionals working abroad and encourage an environment that allows them to contribute on both level locally and globally. Pakistan can harness the potential of its expatriates through this approach and could transform the challenges of brain drain into a strategy for overall national growth and development.