Lahore: Emphasizing the need for structured migration pathways, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has called on Pakistan to focus on regular migration channels, skill development, and financial inclusion to maximize economic benefits and reduce risks. The recommendations were made during the launch of the Pakistan Migration Report 2025 at the Lahore School of Economics.
According to Lahore School of Economics, the IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission, Mio Sato, highlighted that migration remains a significant global development factor for Pakistan. She emphasized that migration should be a choice rather than a necessity, advocating for safe and dignified migration practices. Sato identified key policy priorities, including aligning skill development programs with international labor market demands, raising awareness about migration risks and opportunities, and adopting evidence-based policymaking. Gender disparities were also addressed, as women constitute a small fraction of Pakistan's migrant workforce due to socio-cultural barriers, limited access to recruitment networks, and unsafe working conditions.
The report, the fourth in a series by the Centre on Migration, Remittances and Diaspora (CIMRAD), was unveiled at the university's Burki campus. Rector Shahid Amjad Chaudhry emphasized migration as a critical study area for Pakistan's economy, which heavily relies on external inflows and remittances. The report noted that Pakistan's outward migration has been volatile, with numbers dropping from 862,000 in 2023 to 725,672 in 2024 before a slight recovery to 762,499 in 2025. These fluctuations are mainly attributed to stricter visa regimes and changing policies in host countries.
The Gulf region remains the primary destination for Pakistani migrant workers, hosting 92% of them, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for nearly half. However, remittances from non-Gulf countries are higher, suggesting better wages or underreporting of migrant numbers. A persistent issue is the dominance of low-skilled labor, as nearly two-thirds of Pakistani migrants fall into this category, with their share increasing in 2025. Nonetheless, migration trends are gradually diversifying toward non-GCC countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, as well as emerging Asian economies.
Irregular migration is also a concern, particularly toward Europe, where Pakistan ranks among the top 10 nationalities attempting illegal entry. About 5,680 Pakistanis were apprehended at European borders in 2024, and 3,203 in the first half of 2025, with nearly 90% attempting entry via sea routes.
Economically, remittances have surged by 25%, increasing from $30.2 billion in 2023-24 to $38.3 billion in 2024-25, now accounting for 9.34% of GDP. This growth plays a crucial role in stabilizing Pakistan's external account amid rising imports and sluggish exports. The increase is attributed to heightened migration, a shift toward skilled workers, and inflationary pressures at home compelling overseas Pakistanis to send more money to support their families. However, the report warns that tightening global migration policies, rising visa costs, and stricter labor market conditions are limiting opportunities for Pakistani workers, pushing more individuals toward irregular and perilous migration routes.