Overseas Pakistanis sent $3.89 billion in workers' remittances home in October 2026, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday, 10 November.

The figure was 13.8 per cent higher than the $3.42 billion received in October last year, and 8.5 per cent higher than the $3.59 billion sent in September 2026.

Four-month total reaches $14.76 billion

Cumulatively, workers' remittances reached $14.76 billion during the first four months of the current fiscal year, July to October, compared with $12.956 billion in the same period last year, an increase of about 14 per cent.

Remittances remain one of Pakistan's most important sources of foreign exchange, supporting the external account, household incomes and economic activity. The SBP said last month that it had revised its remittance and foreign exchange reserve projections upwards, citing stronger inflows and an improved external outlook.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and UK lead the way

Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances in October, with overseas Pakistanis there sending about $980 million. The United Arab Emirates followed with $815.9 million, the United Kingdom contributed $600 million and the United States sent $330 million.

State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed has said remittance inflows stayed resilient during the first quarter of the fiscal year and projected that total remittances could reach $45 billion during the current fiscal year, up from an earlier estimate of $44 billion.

The strong start to the fiscal year follows a record year for remittances. Pakistan received about $41.6 billion in workers' remittances during fiscal year 2025-26, the highest annual total on record, according to State Bank data reported at the time. The October figures keep the country on course for another strong year if the current pace holds.

Why the figures matter

Remittances have become a steady support for Pakistan's economy at a time when exports face pressure and foreign borrowing remains costly. Sustained inflows help the central bank build reserves and ease pressure on the rupee, while the money sent home directly supports families across the country.

For many families, the money sent home pays for everyday spending, education and housing, and it arrives most heavily from the Gulf states, Britain and North America, where large Pakistani communities live and work. That steady flow has made remittances one of the most reliable parts of Pakistan's external finances.

The State Bank publishes workers' remittance data each month, usually around the 10th of the following month. The October figures will be watched closely alongside the next monetary policy decision, as policymakers weigh the strength of inflows against inflation and the wider external position.