The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to establish safer and more structured migration pathways. Speaking at the Lahore School of Economics on May 5, 2026, IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission Mio Sato underscored the importance of prioritizing regular migration channels, skill development, and financial inclusion to maximize economic benefits and reduce associated risks.
Mio Sato highlighted that migration should be a choice rather than a necessity, urging the adoption of safe and dignified migration practices. Key policy priorities include aligning skill development programs with international labor market demands, raising awareness about migration risks and opportunities, and implementing evidence-based policymaking. Sato also noted gender disparities, pointing out that women represent a disproportionately low share of Pakistan’s migrant workforce due to socio-cultural barriers and limited access to recruitment networks.
The Pakistan Migration Report 2025, launched at the university’s Burki campus, reveals that migration is a critical area for Pakistan’s economy, heavily reliant on external inflows and remittances. The report indicates a volatile trend in outward migration, with numbers dropping from 862,000 in 2023 to 725,672 in 2024, before slightly recovering to 762,499 in 2025. This decline is mainly due to stricter visa regimes and shifting policies in host countries.
The Gulf region remains the primary destination for Pakistani migrant workers, hosting 92% of the workforce, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for nearly half of all migrants. Despite this, remittances from non-Gulf countries are higher, suggesting better wages or underreporting of migrant numbers. The report also highlights a persistent dominance of low-skilled labor, with two-thirds of migrants falling into this category in 2025.
Irregular migration, particularly towards Europe, remains a concern, with Pakistan ranking among the top 10 nationalities attempting illegal entry. In 2024, 5,680 Pakistanis were apprehended at European borders, with 3,203 recorded in the first half of 2025, predominantly via sea routes. On the economic front, remittances increased significantly by 25%, rising from $30.2 billion in 2023-24 to $38.3 billion in 2024-25, accounting for 9.34% of GDP. However, tightening global migration policies and rising visa costs are pushing more individuals towards irregular migration routes.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 6, 2026
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