THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN dataset on global migration patterns. It shows that the total number of migrants has nearly doubled from 1990, reaching 304m in 2024. While this appears substantial in absolute terms, migrants still constitute only 3.7pc of the global population, reflecting a modest increase from 2.9pc in 1990. For Pakistan, the data tells a different story. Historically, one of the largest hosts of displaced persons, the country has seen a marked decline in its international migrant stock. In 1990, Pakistan hosted 6.2m migrants, a figure that fell to 3.94m by 2010 and remains 4.18m in 2024. While international migrants made up 5.3pc of the population in 1990, this has now fallen to 1.7pc — a notable demographic shift. These figures are indicative of Pakistan’s diminishing role as a destination country, despite its strategic location.

The government’s decision to expel undocumented Afghans has altered migrant statistics. Many refugees now face precarious conditions, compounded by the suspension of resettlement programmes by Western nations. Additionally, Pakistan remains a significant source country for labour migration, with large numbers of its citizens heading to the Middle East, Europe, and North America for employment. Pakistan needs a balanced migration policy that addresses three key areas. First, it must modernise its border management and visa systems to better track and regulate cross-border movements while fulfilling humanitarian obligations. Second, the country should create incentives to attract skilled foreign workers through simplified procedures and clear pathways for professional integration. Third, systematic data collection on migration patterns is essential to inform policy decisions. Pakistan’s strategic location and large youth population position it uniquely to benefit from both sending workers abroad and receiving foreign talent. However, these advantages can only be realised through well-planned policies that turn migration challenges into opportunities for national development.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025