Pakistan is witnessing an unprecedented wave of emigration, fueled by socio-economic challenges, political instability, and the pursuit of better opportunities abroad. Over the past year, a significant number of Pakistanis have sought asylum in Europe, while many others have risked their lives through illegal migration routes. This phenomenon reflects the growing desperation among Pakistanis to escape worsening domestic conditions.
Surge in Asylum Applications
Between October 2023 and October 2024, 28,000 Pakistanis applied for asylum in the EU+ region, according to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). Applications peaked at 3,400 in October 2023 before declining to 1,900 a year later. Italy has emerged as the most preferred destination, followed by France, Greece, and Germany.
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During this period, EU+ countries processed 20,000 applications at the first instance, granting refugee status or subsidiary protection to only 12%. As of October 2024, approximately 34,000 applications remained pending.
Illegal Migration and Tragedies at Sea
Alongside legal avenues, many Pakistanis have turned to illegal human smuggling networks to reach Europe. This trend has often resulted in tragic outcomes. In the latest incident, three boats carrying migrants, including Pakistanis, capsized near Greece, claiming at least 40 Pakistani lives. According to Pakistan’s Embassy in Greece, 35 bodies remain missing, with slim chances of recovery.
This disaster mirrors the 2023 shipwreck off Italy’s Calabria region, where 59 migrants, including 28 Pakistanis, drowned after their boat sank in stormy seas. Despite such tragedies, the risks seem insufficient to deter those seeking a better life abroad.
Escalating Numbers and Long-term Trends
The desire to emigrate is not new for Pakistanis, but the scale has grown in recent years. In the first 11 months of 2024 alone, 13,500 individuals were apprehended trying to enter Iran illegally via Balochistan’s Chaghi district. Over the past five years, 90,000 Pakistanis have been caught attempting similar crossings.
Official data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reveals that nearly 10 million Pakistanis have emigrated in the last 17 years. Notably, the emigration rate of highly skilled individuals has risen to 5% since 2022, up from 2%. However, the majority of emigrants remain blue-collar workers, with 46% classified as unskilled laborers and 37% as skilled workers.
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The EUAA’s “Country of Origin Information Report” highlights several factors pushing Pakistanis abroad, including unemployment, poverty, and political instability. Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities account for 34.3% of its GDP, exacerbating economic challenges. High inflation, natural disasters, and political polarization have further worsened conditions, leaving 40% of the population below the poverty line as of April 2024.