Pakistan Receives $3.2 Billion in Remittances in November 2025; Five-Month Total Reaches $16.1 Billion
Islamabad: Pakistan received **$3.2 billion in workers’ remittances** in November 2025, according to the latest data released by the **State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)**. The inflow reflects a **9.4% year-on-year increase**, compared to November last year. However, on a month-to-month basis, remittances **declined by 7%**, down from **$3.4 billion in October 2025**.
### **Five-Month Remittances Rise to $16.1 Billion**
During the first five months of FY26 (5MFY26), remittances totaled **$16.1 billion**, showing a **9.3% increase** from **$14.8 billion** in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
According to **Topline Securities**, this growth has been supported by:
* An increase in overseas workforce in recent years
* A reduced gap between the official and informal currency markets
* Government incentives aimed at promoting formal remittance channels
Topline maintained its **FY26 remittance target at $41 billion**, up **7.5%** from the **$38 billion** recorded in FY25.
### **UAE Emerges as a Strong Contributor**
As per **Waqas Ghani of JS Global**, the share of remittances from the **United Arab Emirates** rose to **21%** in November 2025, up from **18%** a year earlier. He noted a consistent rise in funds sent by Pakistani expatriates living in Dubai.
JS Global’s report further highlighted that **Saudi Arabia and the UAE jointly contributed 45%** of total inflows — slightly above the two-year average of 44%.
### **Economic Significance**
Remittances remain a crucial pillar of Pakistan’s economy, supporting:
* **Balance of payments stability**
* **Household incomes**
* **Domestic consumption and economic activity**
The government continues to encourage remittances through formal banking channels by offering incentives and improved facilities.
According to the SBP, under the **Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI)**, the number of participating local financial institutions rose from **25 in 2009 to over 50 by 2024**, while international partners expanded from **45 to nearly 400**.
### **Country-Wise Inflows – November 2025**
* **Saudi Arabia:** $753 million
* 3% annual growth, but lower than last year’s $838 million
* **United Arab Emirates:** $675 million
* 9% annual increase
* **United Kingdom:** $481 million
* 4% decline from October; 17% annual rise
* **United States:** $277 million
* 4% yearly drop; 8% monthly decline
* **European Union countries:** $417 million
* 29% year-on-year growth
Remittances continue to play a vital role in cushioning Pakistan’s external sector and supporting millions of families dependent on overseas income.
