Pakistan receives $3.2bn in remittances in November 2025

The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.2 billion in November 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Tuesday.

Remittances increased by nearly 9.4% year-on-year (YoY), compared to $2.9 billion recorded in the same month last year. Monthly remittances were down by 7%, compared to $3.4 billion in October.

During the first five months of the fiscal year (5MFY26), remittance inflows stood at $16.1 billion, up from $14.8 billion in 5MFY25, a jump of 9.3%.

“Remittances growth momentum is continuing on the back of higher manpower exports in previous years, lower differential in formal and informal exchange market and continuation of remittances incentive package,” said Topline Securities.

“We maintain our FY26 remittances target of $41 billion, up 7.5% from the FY25 level of $38 billion,” it added.

Meanwhile, Waqas Ghani of JS Global noted that UAE remittances have regained momentum in recent months, with their share at 21% in Nov-2025 from a low of 18% in FY24.

“Dubai in particular has seen a steady pick-up, reflecting improved inflows from Pakistani expatriates owing to some relaxation in emigration policies,” he told Business Recorder.

“Remittances from KSA and UAE continued to dominate, accounting for 45% of total inflows (vs. a 44% average over the last two years),” read a JS Global report.

“We expect this share to improve further in the coming periods, supported by increasing emigration to the region.”

Remittances play a significant role in supporting the country’s external account, stimulating Pakistan’s economic activity, and supplementing the disposable incomes of remittance-dependent households.

Meanwhile, the government promotes remittances through incentives and formal channels to sustain steady growth and ensure their role in economic stability.

Back in August, SBP noted that since 2009, the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) has been working to enhance home remittances through formal channels in Pakistan. As a result of active engagements with financial institutions (FIs), the number of FIs on the PRI network has increased from around 25 in 2009 to more than 50 in 2024. The FIs include conventional banks, Islamic banks, microfinance banks, and Exchange Companies (ECs).

Further, Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) are also allowed to receive home remittances through banks. The number of international entities has increased from around 45 in 2009 to around 400 at present.

Breakdown of remittances

Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia remitted the largest amount in November 2025 as they sent $753 million during the month. The amount was up 3% on a yearly basis, but 10% below the $838 million sent by the expatriates in the same month of the previous year.

Inflows from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose by 9% on a yearly basis, from $619 million to $675 million in November 2025.

Remittances from the United Kingdom (UK) amounted to $481 million during November 2025, down by 4% compared to $499 million in October 2025. YoY inflows from the UK were up by 17%.

Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $277 million in November 2025, a YoY decrease of 4%, down 8% on a monthly basis.

Meanwhile, remittances from European Union (EU) countries clocked in at $417 million in November, recording a significant increase of 29% on a yearly basis.