A recent Ipsos survey reveals that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the top choices for Pakistanis looking to relocate abroad.

According to the survey, 30% of respondents expressed a preference for moving to Saudi Arabia, while 20% favored the UAE, reflecting growing frustration with the current economic challenges in Pakistan.

Contrary to the belief that most Pakistanis, particularly the youth, aspire to migrate to Western countries, the findings indicate that many are opting for nearby, economically stable nations.

These countries offer better job prospects and improved living standards while maintaining proximity to home.

As of September 2024, over 525,000 Pakistanis have already relocated for employment opportunities.

This trend is part of a larger wave, with more than 800,000 Pakistanis leaving the country in 2022, a significant increase from pre-pandemic numbers.

In 2019, around 625,876 Pakistanis emigrated, while the figure was even lower at 382,439 in 2018.

The rising trend of emigration has raised alarms among policymakers regarding its long-term effects, particularly the growing brain drain.

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Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, has expressed concern over the departure of educated youth, warning that it could worsen the country’s economic challenges, especially in critical sectors like technology, education, and healthcare.

Experts attribute the migration surge to Pakistan’s struggling economy, characterized by inflation, rising unemployment, and a lack of viable job opportunities.

In search of better wages, improved working conditions, and greater political stability, many young Pakistanis are gravitating towards countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE for a more secure future.