Over 727,000 Pakistanis left for jobs abroad in 2024, a 15% drop from 2023

In 2024, more than 727,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad for employment, a 15% decrease from the 862,625 individuals who left in 2023.

While some view this drop as detrimental to Pakistan, others see it as an opportunity for skilled professionals to enhance their capabilities and bring back expertise, Express News reported.

Despite the reduced numbers, remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis have played a vital role in stabilising the national economy.

According to State Bank data, Pakistan received $34.634 billion in remittances in 2024, a 31.36% increase from the previous year. This influx of foreign currency has been crucial in maintaining foreign exchange reserves and addressing the nation’s import bills.

Economist Usama Siddiqui noted that remittances have become the backbone of Pakistan's economy, helping the country navigate through economic challenges.

He stressed that without these remittances, Pakistan's economic condition would have worsened significantly.

However, concerns remain about the country’s growing brain drain. A report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics revealed that 200,000 skilled and professional workers left Pakistan in 2024.

Despite the loss of talent, some argue that migration provides individuals with opportunities to develop new skills and gain experience that can benefit Pakistan upon their return.

Pakistani expatriates in developed countries are not only enhancing their capabilities but also contributing to knowledge transfer, education, investment, and entrepreneurship.

Sheikh Tahir Imran, a Pakistani expatriate in the US, acknowledged the brain drain as a setback but argued that many professionals cannot grow their skills within Pakistan’s existing infrastructure.

He emphasised that these individuals, after working in advanced nations, can contribute to Pakistan’s development by bringing back global expertise and technology.

Sikandar Salman, a British Pakistani, pointed out that Pakistan still has millions of professionals and questioned why the government and private companies are not leveraging their potential.

He urged Pakistan to embrace brain drain in a manner similar to India, which has seen successful individuals, like the British Prime Minister of Indian descent, holding prominent global positions.

In the long run, Pakistan could benefit from embracing the mobility of its professionals, ensuring they continue to contribute both locally and globally.