In the UAE, and possibly other countries as well, Pakistani expatriates may be forced to join the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation. This is subject to approval by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This proposal has been approved by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. It sets an annual fee of Rs 10,000. OPF chairman Syed Qamar Raza stated that a compulsory membership will help increase financial resources for overseas Pakistanis.
Over 12 million Pakistanis live abroad. Of these, more than 2 million are in the UAE. The remittances of expatriates, which amount to billions each year, remain an important part of the economy.
State Bank of Pakistan reports that remittances between July 2025 and February 2026 reached $26.5 billion, an increase of 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. In February, remittances totaled $3.3 billion. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and the UK were the major sources of inflows.
A final decision is expected by the Prime Minister.
