Pakistan is currently facing a worrying trend of mass emigration. A record-breaking 800,000 Pakistanis left the country in the first half of 2023, with at least 100,000 of them being highly skilled professionals, including doctors, nurses, engineers, IT experts, and accountants.
Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Emigration, shows that over half of the immigrants originated from Pakistan’s Punjab region, with approximately 27,000 people coming from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
The unprecedented departure of such a large number of people, especially skilled professionals, poses significant challenges for Pakistan’s economy and workforce.
Pakistanis migrating to foreign nations has surged in recent years. In 2022, the figure reached three times that of 2021, with a staggering 225,000 individuals leaving the country. Even in 2020, amidst the pandemic and global travel restrictions, 280,000 Pakistanis chose to emigrate.
As per an Express Tribune article, West Asian nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have attracted the bulk of Pakistani immigrants. Interestingly, among European locations, Romania has emerged as a popular choice.
One significant factor that has been encouraging migration is Pakistan’s dual citizenship policy. Emigrants who choose to settle abroad can retain their Pakistani passport and use it for travel, offering convenience and flexibility.
As Pakistan’s economy faces challenges and its political landscape remains uncertain, the outflow of a significant number of its citizens, including highly skilled professionals, raises concerns about the potential impact on critical sectors and the nation’s development.
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