Pakistan faces an unprecedented surge in emigration, especially among highly skilled professionals, raising concerns about its impact on critical sectors, the workforce, and overall national development. In 2023, over 1.3 million Pakistanis left, a threefold increase from the previous year.
The first seven months of 2023 alone witnessed 450,000 individuals seeking better job opportunities abroad. The emigrating workforce includes over 12,000 highly qualified, 26,405 highly skilled, and 164,155 skilled workers in 2023.
West Asian nations, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, attract the majority, with Romania emerging as a surprising European choice. Economic uncertainties and income disparities drive skilled professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
The departure of skilled professionals poses significant challenges to Pakistan’s economy and workforce. Pakistan’s dual citizenship policy contributes to migration, allowing emigrants to retain their passport for convenience.
Emigration has varied over the years, with a notable dip in 2020-21 due to global travel restrictions. 2022 and 2023 witnessed a sharp rise in departures. Saudi Arabia consistently leads as the primary destination, followed by the UAE and other Gulf countries.
Diverse countries like Malaysia, China, South Korea, Japan, Cyprus, Germany, the UK, Greece, Italy, and Romania also attract Pakistani workers. Pakistan grapples with a complex challenge as mass emigration, brain drain, and economic factors converge.
The departure of highly skilled professionals raises concerns about the nation’s future development. Addressing root causes, ensuring economic stability, and creating domestic opportunities are crucial to mitigating these challenges.
