Labor migration flow from Pakistan 2007-2022

In 2015, Pakistan saw the biggest number of citizens leaving the country to work abroad, totaling approximately 947,000. The years between 2012 and 2016 witnessed the largest levels of labor migration from the country, with at least 620,000 traveling abroad each year. Some of the lowest levels of labor migration from the country were recorded in 2020 and 2021; this was largely due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. What are the leading destinations for Pakistani migration? Pakistan has a sizable population of over 220 million people. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council are popular destinations for Pakistani migrant workers due to their proximity and ease of access. For example, most of the labor migration to the United Arab Emirates in 2022 came from Pakistan. Citizens from Pakistan work in a wide range of fields, including both skilled and unskilled professions. However, most skilled workers from the country often opt for careers in Western Europe or North America due to higher wages and currency exchange rates. Vital to the economy Pakistani citizens working abroad play a key role in their nation’s economy. The unemployment rate in Pakistan has significantly increased in recent years. Therefore, the country is heavily dependent on remittances coming from citizens working abroad. Over the years, the value of remittances received in Pakistan has continued to increase, witnessing only a small dip in 2022. These remittances help workers support their families back in Pakistan. Additionally, they aid in shoring up the country’s foreign currency reserves, which is vital for international trade.