Migrant outflow declines in recent years due to visa restrictions: report

“LAHORE: International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Pakistan Chief of Mission Mio Sato highlighted migration as one of the most important development realities across the globe, with particular relevance to Pakistan. She was addressing at the launch of “The Pakistan Migration Report 2025,” fourth in the series published by the Centre on Migration, Remittances and Diaspora (CIMRAD) at the Lahore School of Economics (LSE). While underscoring the need for prioritising regular pathways of migration, Sato implied that migration should be a choice and not a necessity. She discussed some of the key aspects for the safe and dignified migration from Pakistan, including provision of skill training programmes, to meet the international labour market demands, raising awareness about the opportunities and risks of migration at all stages, and evidence-based solutions. She also identified gender gaps in migration indicating that the under-representation of women in international labour force migration was not because of limited opportunities but due to barriers such as socio-cultural norms, limited access to recruitment networks and unsafe working conditions. LSE Rector Dr Shahid Amjad Chaudhry opened the proceedings of the ceremony and proposed migration as a significant topic to study at every level, particularly in the perspective of Pakistan – a country entirely dependent on the outside world for its consumption and worker’s remittances. The 2025 report highlights the persistent fluctuation in the migrant outflow from Pakistan as the numbers plummeted from 862,000 in 2023 to 725,672 in 2024 and rose slightly again to 762,499 in 2025. While outward migration remains irregular and non-linear over time, the report attributes the recent decline primarily to the visa restrictions and policy shifts in the host countries. It provides comprehensive analysis of recent trends in migration from Pakistan to two regions separately – the Gulf countries and the rest of the world – along with trends in remittance inflows and emerging policy challenges. A significant portion of workers continue to migrate to the Gulf countries, hosting 92 percent of the registered migrant workers, with Saudi Arabia retaining its position as the top destination, attracting half of all migrants. Nevertheless, remittance inflows are comparatively higher from non-GCC countries, signifying the presence of high-wage earning migrants or under-reporting of migrant numbers. A key finding of the report is that around two-thirds of Pakistani labour migrants are still categorised as low-skilled or unskilled workers as their combined share further increased by 12pc in 2025. The report underscores the recent diversification in migration patterns beyond the Gulf. The non-GCC countries, including UK, Canada, Australia and emerging Asian economies, are experiencing a notable increase in migrant inflows. The report points out the continuation of the lower levels of women participation in the migrant labour force as just one percent of the total. Furthermore, irregular migration remains a concern, especially in Europe, making Pakistan one of the top 10 nationalities entering Europe illegally. The number of Pakistanis apprehended at various European borders was 5,680 in 2024 and 3,203 in the first half of 2025, with about 90pc trying to enter by sea. The report states a 25pc rise in officially recorded remittance inflows from USD 30.2bn in 2023-24 to USD 38.3bn during 2024-25. This surge is significant in stabilising the economy, and helping to avert balance-of-payments challenge amidst rising imports and stagnant exports. Remittances now account for 9.34pc of the GDP. The surge in remittances was driven by higher outmigration and a shift toward skilled workers. Besides, high inflation during recent years led to a fall in real income of households, subsequently increased pressure on migrants to provide more support to their families back home. The report also discusses growing challenges in the global migration landscape. The increasingly stringent migration policies by the major destination countries, higher visa fees and rejections, and tightening of labour market conditions curtailing opportunities for Pakistani migrants. These greater constraints on regular migration are contributing to the rise in irregular migration through dangerous and life-threatening routes. Other speakers at the launch ceremony included CIMRAD Director Dr Rashid Amjad, GIDS Dr Fareeha Zafar and LSE Research & Teaching Fellow Zahra Mughis. Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026

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