Pakistan’s migrant outflow witnessed a noticeable decline in 2024 as stricter visa policies and changing labour regulations in destination countries reduced overseas employment opportunities for Pakistani workers. According to the newly launched Pakistan Migration Report 2025, the number of Pakistanis leaving for work abroad fell after a sharp increase in previous years, highlighting the growing impact of international immigration restrictions on labour migration trends.
The report, launched by the Centre on Migration, Remittances and Diaspora at the Lahore School of Economics, stated that tighter visa conditions, higher rejection rates and evolving labour market policies in Gulf countries and other destinations were major reasons behind the slowdown in migration. Despite the decline in outward migration, Pakistan recorded a major increase in remittance inflows, which rose by 25 percent to $38.3 billion during 2024-25.
Experts noted that remittances have become a crucial pillar of Pakistan’s economy, helping stabilise foreign exchange reserves and supporting millions of households facing inflation and economic pressure. The report also highlighted that Gulf countries continue to remain the largest destination for Pakistani workers, with Saudi Arabia leading the list.
Another key concern raised in the report was the growing issue of irregular migration. Thousands of Pakistanis were reportedly detained while attempting illegal entry into Europe through dangerous sea routes. The study further pointed out that nearly two-thirds of Pakistani migrant workers remain low-skilled or unskilled, limiting their earning potential abroad.
The report also shed light on gender disparity in overseas employment, revealing that women make up only a very small percentage of Pakistan’s migrant labour force. Experts stressed the need for better skills training, awareness programmes and safer migration channels to improve opportunities for Pakistani workers internationally.
As Pakistan continues to rely heavily on overseas remittances, policymakers are being urged to focus on skill development, legal migration pathways and labour market reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth and safer employment opportunities for citizens seeking work abroad.
