ISLAMABAD: Going abroad (the brain, drain) phenomenon in Pakistan is an issue having economic and societal compulsions. It is important to dispel the myth that political reasons (such as the arrest or removal of Imran Khan) drive migration, as a matter of fact the phonemes is driven by job, business, or educational opportunities at abroad.
It is an ongoing phenomenon that Pakistanis seek Job /business opportunity abroad particularly in Middle East, the United Kingdom, European Union, the United States of America (USA) and Canada; with increasing population especially youth, the numbers of Pakistani immigrants going abroad are increasing gradually.
Pakistan the 5th longest population of the world with huge youth bulge cannot provide employment to every citizen, so it is always encouraged by the governments to send the youth abroad to avail better opportunities. This phenomenon should not be labelled as brain drain rather export of skilled labour and Pakistan is always beneficial for sending the youth abroad. The flow of Pakistanis to abroad during PTI regime was similar pattern, the government of used to take pride on sending people abroad and overseas Pakistanis were considered the assets of PTI. During peak time of COVID-19 period (2020-2021), the flow of Pakistanis going abroad was reduced due to international travel restrictions and 2022 onward there was again increase in this practice.
Myth and Realities About Overseas Pakistanis
The myth, that “large number of Pakistanis have left Pakistan because of arrest or removal of Imran Khan” is not true. Decision of Pakistanis for going abroad is linked with Job, business, educational opportunities, it is not at all linked with some politician or regime in Pakistan. Political events may influence public sentiment but the decision to migrate is predominantly driven by economic considerations, including job availability, business prospects and educational opportunities abroad. In recent times countries like the UK, Canada and some EU countries have eased visa restrictions and accordingly Pakistanis are availing more and more opportunities there.
Overseas Pakistanis’ Economic Contribution
Pakistanis’ going abroad for Job and business are always beneficial for Pakistan, as huge amount in shape of remittances is regularly received that enhances the economic health of the country. Overseas Pakistanis going abroad improve the bilateral relations of Pakistan with foreign countries and economically Pakistani Diaspora is contributing a lot for the state. The relaxation in visa policies has been identified as a potential contributing factor to the phenomenon of mass immigrations observed from various regions of the world, including Pakistan. Those who have applied in COVID-19 period (2020-21), maximum out of that got permission in 2022-23 and accordingly the increase was observed. Unfortunately, some irresponsible analysts are trying to support PTI stance by linking this aspect politically. Overseas Pakistanis send $30b remittances annually that bridge the critical gap in current account deficit of the country. All those who seek opportunities in west are inspired by western life style not for seeking job opportunities 4 to 5 million are given to agent that is an amount sufficient enough to establish small business.
