By SHAHRAM HAQ
Published in The Express Tribune on May 06, 2026
LAHORE:
Emphasising the need for safer and more structured migration pathways, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has urged Pakistan to prioritise regular migration channels, skill development, and financial inclusion to maximise economic benefits while reducing risks.
Speaking at the launch of the Pakistan Migration Report 2025 at the Lahore School of Economics, IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission Mio Sato said migration remains one of the most significant global development realities, particularly for Pakistan. She stressed that migration “should be a choice and not a necessity,” underlining the importance of safe and dignified migration practices.
Sato highlighted key policy priorities, including aligning skill development programmes with international labour market demands, raising awareness about migration risks and opportunities, and adopting evidence-based policymaking. She also pointed to gender disparities, noting that women account for a disproportionately low share of Pakistan’s migrant workforce due to socio-cultural barriers, limited access to recruitment networks, and unsafe working conditions.
The report – fourth in a series published by the Centre on Migration, Remittances and Diaspora (CIMRAD) – was launched at the varsity’s Burki campus, with Rector Shahid Amjad Chaudhry terming migration a critical area of study for Pakistan’s economy, which relies heavily on external inflows and remittances.
According to the report, Pakistan’s outward migration remains volatile. The number of migrants dropped from 862,000 in 2023 to 725,672 in 2024 before recovering slightly to 762,499 in 2025. The decline has been attributed mainly to stricter visa regimes and shifting policies in host countries.
The Gulf region continues to dominate as the primary destination, hosting 92% of registered Pakistani migrant workers, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for nearly half of all migrants. However, remittances from non-Gulf countries remain comparatively higher, indicating either better wages or underreporting of migrant numbers. A major concern flagged in the report is the persistent dominance of low-skilled labour. Nearly two-thirds of Pakistani migrants fall in the low or unskilled category, with their share increasing further in 2025. At the same time, migration trends are gradually diversifying toward non-GCC countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, as well as emerging Asian economies.
The report also draws attention to irregular migration, particularly toward Europe, where Pakistan ranks among the top 10 nationalities attempting illegal entry. Around 5,680 Pakistanis were apprehended at European borders in 2024, while 3,203 were recorded in the first half of 2025, with nearly 90% attempting entry via sea routes.
On the economic front, remittances posted a significant increase of 25%, rising from $30.2 billion in 2023-24 to $38.3 billion in 2024-25. These inflows now account for 9.34% of GDP, playing a critical role in stabilising Pakistan’s external account amid rising imports and sluggish exports.
The surge in remittances has been attributed to increased migration and a gradual shift toward skilled workers, alongside inflationary pressures at home that have compelled overseas Pakistanis to send more money to support their families. However, the report cautions that tightening global migration policies, rising visa costs, and stricter labour market conditions are limiting opportunities for Pakistani workers. These constraints, it warns, are pushing more individuals toward irregular and often dangerous migration routes.
