Pattern of migration from Pakistan

September 10, 2024 (MLN): I recently read an article published last week in one of the leading publications about a debate and question-and-answer session in the Senate regarding the relocation of 3.27 million Pakistanis for employment through government channels over the past five years.

If these statistics are accurate, they are indeed remarkable, considering that the COVID-19 pandemic lasted for nearly two years, starting in early 2021 and ending in mid-2023.

As reported by the newspaper, when the Senate inquired about the sending of 3.27 million Pakistanis abroad, they were informed that these individuals were sent abroad upon request from foreign countries.

The article further stated that the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment made the official arrangements.

The paper also raised concerns about the accuracy of the figures presented by the administration.

If the statistic is accurate, I regard it as a very positive indication, especially during a period when the economy is grappling with numerous challenges.

Remittances are a vital source of income and provide substantial support to the economy. If remittances continue to grow at the current rate, they may even surpass export earnings.

It is imperative that we collectively recognize the commendable economic contributions made by expatriates.

However, in current times, due to the widespread availability of social media, it has become more common for individuals to engage in open discussions on various topics without any supporting data, evidence, or credible information. Moreover, these discussions often take on a more political tone.

The argument and debate, both on social and print media, about the increasing tendency of Pakistanis traveling overseas in search of job opportunities or to acquire foreign passports, is overstated, in my view.

An examination of historical data reveals that this is a common pattern, perhaps one that failed to capture our attention earlier.

Over the last ten years, our population has grown by about 48 million. Over the past decade, annual remittances, which stood at USD 15.8 billion ten years ago, have consistently risen due to better employment opportunities in foreign countries, leading to a higher number of Pakistanis residing abroad.

Efforts by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) over the years, through efficient administrative fiscal procedures, have contributed to this increase in remittances.

Currently, remittances are maintained at an annual level of roughly USD 30 billion, helping to prevent economic catastrophe.

After reviewing the article in the newspaper, I felt it important to write this note to inform the general public about the facts, instead of indulging in baseless discussions and political manipulation, which could mislead both the younger and older generations.

One does not need scientific skills to fact-check. Simply ask the concerned authorities to provide verifiable evidence regarding the government’s claim of 3.27 million protector stamps.

Airport authorities do not grant permission for international travel to passengers with job visas who do not possess a protector stamp.

At the same time, they should request the authorities to provide proof of insurance coverage to the individuals nominated for overseas employment, which I believe is a requirement.

This would be sufficient to clarify the facts.

The writer is the former Country Treasurer of Chase Manhattan Bank

Disclaimer: The views and analysis in this article are the opinions of the author and are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial or investment advice and should not be the basis for making financial decisions.