Record-Breaking Inflow of Workers’ Remittances in March 2025

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday, Pakistan witnessed an unprecedented surge in overseas workers’ remittances, reaching $4.1 billion in March 2025. This marks the first instance of remittances exceeding the $4 billion threshold.

The figures represent a substantial 37% increase compared to the $2.95 billion recorded during the corresponding period last year. Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, remittances demonstrated a 30% rise from the $3.12 billion reported in February.

Collectively, remittances for Jul-Mar, FY25, surged by 33.2% to $28 billion, contrasting with the $21.04 billion received during Jul-Mar, FY24.

These inflows of remittances are vital for bolstering the nation’s external accounts, energizing economic activities, and augmenting the financial resources of households reliant on such funds.

Wagas Ghani, the Deputy Head of Research at JS Global, commented that this peak in remittances is a result of increased confidence in the stability of the Pakistani Rupee, which is due to a reduced disparity between interbank and open market exchange rates.

He attributed this stability to reinforced regulations concerning foreign exchange. He also noted that an increase in immigration, particularly to Gulf countries, has further stimulated remittance inflows.

However, some experts have cautioned that this inflow momentum might not persist in the months ahead.

Sana Tawfik, Head of Research at Arif Habib Limited, suggested that the level is likely to adjust to around $3-3.2 billion.

She anticipates that these record inflows will lead to a current account surplus for Pakistan, estimated at $700-900 million for March.

Detailed Remittance Breakdown
  • Saudi Arabia: Accounted for the largest share, with $987.3 million remitted in March 2025. This signifies a 33% monthly increase and a 40% rise from the $703.1 million recorded in the same month of the previous year.
  • UAE: Registered an increase of 28% on a monthly basis, climbing from $657.1 million in February to $842.1 million in March. Annually, remittances from the UAE increased by nearly 54% compared to the $548.5 million reported during the same period last year.
  • United Kingdom: Showed remittances amounting to $683.9 million, marking a 38% increase compared to the $496.5 million in February 2025. Year-on-year inflows from the UK grew by 48%.
  • United States: Recorded remittances of $419.5 million in March 2025, reflecting a 35% increase month-over-month.
PM’s Reaction

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced his satisfaction with this notable achievement.

The Prime Minister stated that remittances reaching such a high level indicate the strong confidence that overseas Pakistanis have in the government’s strategies.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) conveyed that overseas Pakistanis not only bring honor to the nation through their endeavors abroad but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic prosperity via remittances.

The Prime Minister reassured that the government remains dedicated to ensuring comprehensive support for overseas Pakistanis.