Changing patterns of Pakistani emigrants and institutional framework

This paper attempts at documenting and analysing the volume and spatial pattern of Pakistani emigration during 1990's. Also an effort is made to describe the institutional structure, workers grievances and redressal mechanism. The findings of the research exercise are presented into four sections. Using the information pertaining to annual placement of workers mostly in the middle East and estimates provided by Pakistani Missions abroad the changes in the spatial spread of emigrants is detailed in the first section. Also sketchy information on illegal migration is described. Major findings of the past studies on consequences of emigration are briefly added too. Institutional framework related to emigration is the subject matter of the second section. Recruitment industry and cost of migration is briefly described. Nature of the trade unions and the possible role in alleviating the problems of the emigrants finds its place in this section too. Third section briefly describes the existing macro-economic context, the GDP growth, employment and unemployment. On the basis of these the potential for emigration is assessed. Concluding remarks containing suggestion regarding instituting a monitoring mechanism, improvement of institutional structures and involvement of trade unions are presented in the final section.