Overseas Pakistanis Send Less Money Home Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Pakistan received $3.5 billion in overseas workers’ remittances in April 2026, a 8 percent month-on-month decline from $3.8 billion in March 2026, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited based on State Bank of Pakistan figures.

However, on a year-on-year basis, remittance inflows increased 11 percent compared with $3.2 billion received in April 2025.

Country-wise data showed remittances from major overseas markets declined on a monthly basis during April. Inflows from Saudi Arabia, the largest source of remittances, fell 8 percent month on month to $842 million, while inflows from the UAE dropped 11 percent to $735 million.

Remittances from the UK decreased 4 percent month on month to $564 million, while inflows from the United States declined 11 percent to $318 million. In contrast, remittances from European countries increased 4 percent during the month to $432 million.

Despite the monthly slowdown, remittances during the first 10 months of FY26 increased 8 percent year on year to $33.9 billion, compared with $31.2 billion in the same period last year.

During 10MFY26, inflows from Saudi Arabia rose 4 percent year on year to $7.9 billion, while remittances from the UAE increased 10 percent to $7 billion.

The UK and European countries also posted growth of 8 percent and 18 percent year on year, respectively, during the first 10 months of the fiscal year.