Emigration Policy Case Study - Pakistan

Question 1

Pakistan characteristics

Answer 1

• Lower-middle income country
• 2014, population was 196.1 million, 45% under 20
• GDP per head of $4736
• HDI of 0.537

Question 2

Emigration policy

Answer 2

• Government is pro-emigration
• 7 million Pakistanis currently working abroad and 96% of these are in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
• 2013, migrant remittances amounted to $115 million (fifth largest globally), high is important to the socio-economic development of the country
• Pakistan National Emigration Policy aims to promote emigration and safeguard migrants, includes following requirements:
• Ratification of ILO and UN Conventions regarding rights of workers and protection of basic human rights
• Promotion of the export of Pakistani manpower abroad
• Positive steps to encourage female participation in overseas employment (currently only 0.12%)
• Support for social networks and associations abroad (Pakistani diaspora)