Qudsia Bano

 Pakistan’s workers’ remittances rose to around $3.2 billion in November 2025, posting a 9.4% year-on-year increase, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The rise underscores continued confidence of overseas Pakistanis in formal banking channels and signals a strengthening month-on-month trend after the volatility seen earlier in the fiscal year.

A comparison with previous months shows a steady upward trajectory. Remittances totaled approximately $3.19 billion in October 2025 and $3.18 billion in September, while August recorded a seasonal dip to about $3.13 billion. In July, inflows stood near $3.21 billion, whereas June had peaked at around $3.40 billion. The November figure thus reflects a recovery from the August slowdown and marks a second consecutive month of gradual growth.

Country-wise data reflects familiar trends across major corridors. The United States contributed around $277 million in November, slightly lower than October but still above summer levels. The United Kingdom maintained strong momentum, rising to nearly $483 million, up from $479 million in October and significantly higher than $431 million in August.

Saudi Arabia remained the largest single source, contributing approximately $753 million in November. Although lower than October’s $837 million, the inflow continues to reflect overall stability in labour activity within the Kingdom. The UAE also remained a major contributor, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates together generating over $675 million, broadly in line with recent months.

Other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries also maintained stable inflows. Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain collectively recorded inflows consistent with earlier months. Qatar alone contributed over $83 million, while Oman crossed $95 million in November, pointing to stable employment conditions for Pakistani expatriates across the region.

Remittances from Europe remained mixed but steady. Countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece continued contributing near their recent averages. Italy stood out among European sources with over $122 million, showing improvement from its mid-year levels.

Elsewhere, inflows from Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia remained modest but stable, staying close to their recent monthly averages.

The rise in November’s remittances reflects not only the strength of core corridors but also the cumulative impact of consistent inflows from dozens of countries. At nearly $3.2 billion, the month’s performance provides much-needed support to Pakistan’s external account, foreign exchange reserves, and the rupee.

Looking ahead, as global labour markets stabilize and digital transfer channels continue to improve, the core remittance outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Recent trends suggest that overseas Pakistanis continue to play a critical role in underpinning domestic economic stability through sustained inflows.

Credit: INP-WealthPk