# 40bn remittances at risk as overseas workers fall

> Pakistan's $40bn remittances face 25% drop in overseas workers.
- Title: 40bn remittances at risk as overseas workers fall · Com
- Summary: Pakistan's $40bn remittances face 25% drop in overseas workers. Pakistan's $40 billion remittances are at risk as overseas workers fall by 25% this year.
- Keywords: pakistan, remittances, overseas workers, poepa, emigration, visa restrictions, foreign employment, Com
- Source: Com — https://dailytimes.com.pk/1581396/40bn-remittances-at-risk-as-number-of-overseas-workers-falls-by-25
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pakistan, remittances, overseas workers, poepa, emigration, visa restrictions, foreign employment, news
## Remittances at risk
Pakistan's $40 billion annual remittances face serious threat as overseas workers fall by 25% this year.
## POEPA reports decline
POEPA data shows 476,240 Pakistanis secured overseas jobs from Jan to Oct 2026 versus 636,270 last year.
## 25% year-on-year drop
The decline of over 160,000 workers represents a 25% year-on-year drop in overseas employment.
## Three-year trend
Kiyani says overseas employment has declined consistently for three years creating long-term structural economic risk.
## Remittances as economic backbone
Remittances contribute more than $40 billion annually and support foreign exchange reserves, current account deficit, and household incomes.
## UAE, Qatar, Oman closed
UAE, Qatar and Oman are practically closed to Pakistani workers due to visa restrictions and policy changes.
## Saudi Arabia reduction
Saudi Arabia sees reduction in Pakistani workforce due to complex procedures, government policies, and lack of facilitation.
## POEPA demands action
POEPA urges federal government to take diplomatic measures and simplify emigration process for overseas workers.
## Key takeaway

Pakistan's $40 billion remittances are at risk as overseas workers fall by 25% this year.