More than 450,000 Pakistanis left country in first quarter of 2023

WEB DESK: During the first quarter of 2023, more than 450,000 Pakistanis have left for various countries, according to a news report.

This substantial emigration surge is largely attributed to the economic crisis and inflation, compelling a significant portion of Pakistan’s youth to seek opportunities abroad, including scholarships and employment.

The increased outflow of Pakistanis can be observed at passport offices and immigration centres, where long queues of hopeful passport and visa applicants have become a common sight.

A senior official from the Department of Passports and Immigration has noted a nearly twofold rise in passport applications in recent months. The majority of applicants are individuals in pursuit of employment opportunities in various countries, notably within the Middle East.

Despite the department’s capacity to issue 25,000 to 27,000 passports daily, the daily backlog of applications still hovers between 13,000 to 15,000.

Furthermore, reports suggest that private companies handling visa applications for certain embassies have experienced a manifold increase in the number of applications. Meanwhile, the British Council has witnessed a substantial surge in applications for both student and work visas.

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An official from the British Council has revealed that, due to the escalating number of applications, they are currently organizing three IELTS tests (a required language test for visa applicants) every week. The last exam saw 2,500 visa candidates, and their numbers have continued to rise over the past two months.

Experts have expressed concern over the exodus of skilled workers from Pakistan, emphasizing the potential loss of valuable human capital and a brain drain. Nevertheless, some argue that the remittances sent back to Pakistan by these workers can play a vital role in bolstering the country’s economy.