Pakistan's record USD 41.6 billion in remittances is facing growing risks as the number of workers leaving the country for overseas employment declines sharply.
During the first six months of 2026, only 317,000 Pakistanis traveled abroad on work visas, compared with 381,249 during the same period last year, a decline of nearly 20%.
According to Asad Kayani, former chairman of the Overseas Employment Promoters Association, departures to key labor markets, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, are falling rapidly.
Recruitment agents say rising pre-departure costs have become a major obstacle for low-income workers. Medical examinations, National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) requirements, passport fees and other processing expenses can raise upfront costs to between PKR 100,000 and PKR 125,000, even before a worker secures a job abroad.
They warn that repeated medical rejections can further increase the financial burden on job seekers.
Another concern is the proposed soft-skills testing requirement, which has created uncertainty among workers and recruitment agencies.
Industry representatives are urging the government to engage with Saudi authorities and seek relief for workers, particularly by simplifying the NAVTTC testing process.
They argue that for most blue-collar workers, physical fitness and practical skills are the primary requirements, and excessive testing could discourage thousands of Pakistanis from seeking employment overseas.
With overseas hiring slowing, experts warn that Pakistan's remittance inflows, a key source of foreign exchange and support for the economy, could come under pressure in the coming months.
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