Pakistan receives $3.6bn in remittances in December 2025

The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.59 billion in December 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Friday.

Remittances increased by nearly 16.5% year-on-year (YoY), compared to $3.1 billion recorded in the same month last year. Monthly remittances were up by 13%, compared to $3.2 billion in November.

During the first six months of the fiscal year (1HFY26), remittance inflows stood at $19.7 billion, up from $17.8 billion in 1HFY25, a jump of 11%.

“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, in a note.

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

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 December 2025 as they sent $813 million during the month. The amount was up 6% on a yearly basis, and 8% above the $753 million sent by the expatriates in November.

Inflows from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose by 15% on a yearly basis, from $631 million to $726 million in December 2025.

Remittances from the UK amounted to $560 million during December 2025, up by 16% compared to $481 million in November 2025. YoY inflows from the UK were up by 28%.

Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $302 million in December 2025, a YoY decrease of 1%, but up 9% on a monthly basis.

Meanwhile, remittances from European Union (EU) countries clocked in at $499 million in December, recording a significant increase of 39% on a yearly basis.