A significant number of Pakistanis, especially the younger generation, are seeking opportunities abroad due to the severe economic downturn and hyperinflation in the country. According to recent reports, over 450,000 Pakistanis have emigrated to various countries in the first quarter of 2023. This mass exodus can be observed at passport offices and immigration centers, where long queues of people are waiting for passports and visas. Many young individuals are particularly interested in relocating overseas to pursue academic scholarships.

The British Council has seen a surge in requests for work and student visas, resulting in an increase in the number of IELTS examinations conducted each week. During visits to passport offices, it was noticed that the number of people applying for passports to move abroad has almost tripled. The increase in passport applications can be attributed to the change in passport validity introduced by former interior minister Rehman Malik in 2013. With passport expiration dates approaching, a large number of applicants rushed to renew their travel documents. This sudden surge in applicants has led to a backlog of applications, prompting the Passport and Immigration Department to reduce the timing for receiving applications.

Despite concerns about the brain drain caused by this massive outflow of talented individuals, some groups believe that it could benefit Pakistan through increased international remittances. This significant influx of people seeking opportunities abroad has also prompted discussions among policymakers on the need to align professional education and vocational training programs with the demands of international markets. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has highlighted the positive aspect of Pakistanis seeking better opportunities abroad, referring to it as both a challenge and an opportunity for the nation. He emphasized the importance of developing education and vocational training programs that cater to the needs of the international job market.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Jawad Sohrab Malik has urged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to take in over one million Pakistanis annually as part of Saudi Vision 2030. While the mass exodus of individuals, including skilled citizens, raises concerns about the country's economy, it also presents an opportunity for Pakistan to tap into the potential of its diaspora. As more Pakistanis seek opportunities abroad, policymakers will need to address the underlying issues driving this trend and develop strategies to harness the benefits of international remittances and the skills acquired by those moving abroad.