Over 28,000 Pakistanis Seek Asylum in Europe Amid Rising Brain Drain and Economic Challenges
The phenomenon of brain drain and skilled migration from Pakistan continues to intensify, with over 28,000 Pakistani nationals applying for asylum in EU+ countries between October 2023 and October 2024, according to data from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
Asylum Trends and Preferences
Asylum applications peaked in October 2023, reaching 3,400, but have since declined to 1,900 in October 2024. Italy emerged as the top destination for Pakistani asylum seekers, followed by France, Greece, and Germany.
During this period, EU+ countries issued approximately 20,000 decisions on Pakistani applications at the first instance, but only 12% of applicants were granted refugee status or subsidiary protection. Meanwhile, pending applications at the first instance stood at nearly 34,000 by October 2024.
Illegal Migration and Tragedies
Illegal migration channels also remain a significant concern. Recent incidents, such as the Greek boat tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 40 Pakistanis, underscore the perilous journeys many undertake. The capsized boats were part of a broader trend, with human smuggling networks facilitating migration despite high risks. In another tragic incident last year, 59 migrants, including 28 Pakistanis, drowned near Italy’s Calabria region.
Despite these dangers, the desire to seek better opportunities abroad persists. In 2024 alone, 13,500 individuals were caught attempting to cross into Iran illegally via Balochistan’s Chaghi, with 90,000 such attempts recorded in the past five years.
Rising Emigration Rates
Over the past 17 years, nearly 10 million Pakistanis have emigrated. Skilled emigration has seen a marked increase, with rates rising from 2% to 5% since 2022. While blue-collar workers and laborers comprise the majority, the outflow of highly skilled individuals highlights the growing impact of socio-economic challenges.
The highest emigration occurred during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government (2013–2018), with 3.53 million people leaving. In contrast, emigration sharply declined by 60% during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from 2018 onward.
Socio-Economic Factors
The EUAA’s “Country of Origin Information Report” for Pakistan identifies unemployment, poverty, political instability, and external debt as key drivers of migration. External debt and liabilities accounted for 34.3% of Pakistan’s GDP in 2024, exacerbated by mismanagement and instability.
The report, citing the World Food Programme and World Bank, noted that high inflation, economic fragility, and recurrent natural disasters have pushed 40% of Pakistan’s population below the poverty line as of April 2024.
The ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for policies addressing economic stability, employment opportunities, and migration management to curb the rising brain drain and enhance prospects for Pakistan’s citizens.
