The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.29 billion in February 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Tuesday.
Remittances increased by 5.2% year-on-year (YoY), compared to $3.12 billion recorded in the same month last year. Monthly remittances were down 5% from $3.46 billion in January.
During the first eight months of the fiscal year (8MFY26), remittance inflows stood at $26.49 billion, up from $23.98 billion in 8MFY25, a jump of 10.5%.
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.
Last year, 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.
Overseas Pakistanis in the United Arab Emirates remitted the largest amount in January 2026, sending $696.2 million. The amount was up 6% on a yearly basis, and an increase of 6% compared to the $658 million sent by the expatriates in January.
Inflows from Saudi Arabia declined by 8% on a yearly basis, from $745 million to $685.5 million in February 2026.
Remittances from the UK amounted to $532 million during February 2026, down by 7% compared to $575 million in January 2025. YoY inflows from the UK were up by 7%.
Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $319.5 million in February 2026, a YoY increase of 3%, and up 8% on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, remittances from European Union (EU) countries clocked in at $395 million in February, recording a significant increase of 15% on a yearly basis.