Shocking: 5 Lakh Pakistanis leave country for abroad only in last three months
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During the first quarter of 2023, more than 450,000 Pakistanis have left for various countries, largely due to the economic crisis and inflation. This has compelled a significant portion of Pakistan's youth to seek opportunities abroad, including scholarships and employment. As a result, passport offices and immigration centers have seen an increased outflow of applicants, with long queues becoming a common sight.
A senior official from the Department of Passports and Immigration has reported a nearly twofold rise in passport applications in recent months, mostly from individuals seeking employment opportunities in the Middle East and other countries.
However, despite the department's capacity to issue 25,000 to 27,000 passports daily, there is still a daily backlog of applications ranging from 13,000 to 15,000.
Private companies handling visa applications for certain embassies have also experienced a significant increase in the number of applications.
The British Council has noted a substantial surge in applications for both student and work visas, to the extent that they are now organizing three IELTS tests (a required language test for visa applicants) every week. The last exam had 2,500 visa candidates, and these numbers have continued to rise over the past two months.
The exodus of skilled workers from Pakistan has raised concerns among experts, as it represents a potential loss of valuable human capital and a brain drain. However, some argue that the remittances sent back to Pakistan by these workers can play a vital role in bolstering the country's economy.
