700,000 Pakistanis Left the Country This Year, Senate Committee Informed

December 23, 2024

By The South Asia Times

Islamabad, Pakistan — Over 700,000 Pakistanis have left the country for employment and residency abroad this year, according to Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.

Mahmood shared the figure during a briefing to the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis on Monday , highlighting the significant outflow of citizens seeking opportunities overseas amid challenging economic conditions.

The committee also discussed the ongoing visa restrictions imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on certain categories of Pakistani applicants.

Lawmakers expressed concern over the issue, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement to resolve the matter.

Many committee members noted the UAE's importance as a destination for Pakistani workers and the impact the ban could have on remittances, a vital component of the country's economy.

In his remarks, Mahmood assured the committee that the government was actively working to address the UAE visa restrictions through dialogue and high-level diplomacy. “The welfare of overseas Pakistanis and their ability to contribute to the economy remain a top priority,” he said.

The discussion comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with economic challenges, including inflation and limited job opportunities, which have driven many citizens to seek employment abroad. The Senate committee called for stronger policies to support overseas workers and ensure their rights are safeguarded in host countries.