727,381 Workers Leave Pakistan for Overseas Employment in 2024
- Sara Habib
- January 16, 2025
- 9:58 am
- 36
- Current Affairs
727,381 Workers Leave Pakistan: Overseas Pakistanis play a big role in Pakistan’s economy. They send money, share skills, and bring new ideas. In 2024, about 727,000 Pakistanis went abroad for work. This was 15% less than the 862,625 who left in 2023. Some people see this as bad, but others think it’s a chance to learn and grow.
The Role of Remittances in Pakistan’s Economy
Remittances are very important for Pakistan. In 2024, Pakistan received $34.634 billion in remittances. This was 31.36% more than in 2023. This money helps the economy by adding foreign currency and covering import costs.
Economist Usama Siddiqui says remittances are the backbone of the economy. Without this money, the economic problems would be worse.
Brain Drain: A Growing Concern
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics reported that over 200,000 skilled people left Pakistan in 2024. This is called “brain drain” and worries many people.
But migration also has benefits. Workers abroad learn new skills and gain experience. When they return, they can help Pakistan grow. For example, Sheikh Tahir Imran, a US-based Pakistani, believes that migration can be an opportunity.
Skilled Workers Abroad: A Double-Edged Sword
Pakistani workers abroad help both their host countries and Pakistan. They learn global skills and bring them back to Pakistan. This helps with innovation and business growth.
Sheikh Tahir Imran says many skilled workers have limited opportunities in Pakistan. Working abroad helps them gain experience that benefits the country later.
Leveraging Local Potential
Pakistan also has many skilled workers at home. Sikandar Salman, a British Pakistani, says the country should focus on them too. He suggests creating better opportunities in Pakistan.
He compares Pakistan to India. Many Indians abroad have important global jobs. This helps India indirectly. Pakistan can do the same by using its diaspora to grow.
Balancing Mobility and Contribution
Pakistan can turn brain drain into a good thing. The government should encourage overseas Pakistanis to invest, share ideas, and help the country grow. Both the public and private sectors need to work together to make this happen.
Conclusion
Overseas Pakistanis are important for the country. Their remittances, skills, and ideas help the economy. With good planning, Pakistan can benefit more from its diaspora and build a better future.
For More Updates, Visit Genuine Gaze
