Ongoing financial incentives for remittances
Pakistan's Workers' Remittances Incentive Scheme Boosts Economy and Encourages Formal Channels
The Pakistani government's Workers' Remittances Incentive Scheme, launched in 2023 and ongoing in 2025, is encouraging overseas Pakistanis to send money home through official banking channels. The scheme offers benefits such as cash rewards, discounts on utility bills, priority processing, and access to special savings accounts.
Eligibility for the scheme requires being a Pakistani citizen abroad, using registered services linked with the State Bank, sending a minimum threshold amount, and having a registered family member as the remittance receiver in Pakistan. Registration can be completed online via Roshan Digital Accounts or partner remittance services, with rewards automatically credited upon verification.
The scheme has proven to be a significant success, with overseas Pakistanis sending a record $38.3 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, a 27% increase from the previous year. This influx of remittances has helped Pakistan achieve its first current account surplus in 14 years and strengthened foreign exchange reserves, which are crucial for meeting the country’s import bills and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Remittances support millions of households by funding education, health care, and daily expenses, serving as a financial lifeline during crises. The increase in formal remittance inflows has also reduced reliance on informal channels, promoting transparency and efficiency in the financial system.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised the need to remove administrative and procedural bottlenecks to make the remittance system "simpler, more transparent, and more efficient." The government has committed to swiftly release funds and continue the incentive scheme to sustain formal remittance flows. There is also a push for higher integration of digital and banking channels to facilitate easier and faster remittance transfers.
The continued support for Roshan Digital Accounts encourages investment opportunities, further formalizing financial ties between overseas Pakistanis and the domestic economy. In summary, the Workers' Remittances Incentive Scheme has materially strengthened Pakistan's economy by raising remittance flows through formal channels, improving foreign exchange reserves, and supporting household welfare. The government plans to enhance the scheme’s efficiency and ease of use to sustain and further formalize remittance inflows.
[1] The Express Tribune. (2023). Government launches Workers' Remittances Incentive Scheme. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2369207/government-launches-workers-remittances-incentive-scheme
[2] Dawn. (2024). PM Sharif lauds record-high remittances, pledges to continue incentive scheme. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1672771
[3] The News. (2025). Remittances strengthen foreign exchange reserves, boost national development. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/853468-remittances-strengthen-foreign-exchange-reserves-boost-national-development
[4] Business Recorder. (2025). Remittances continue to be significant achievements for Pakistan's economy. Retrieved from https://www.brecorder.com/news/378199-remittances-continue-to-be-significant-achievements-for-pakistans-economy
The Workers' Remittances Incentive Scheme boosts Pakistan's economy by encouraging remittances through formal finance channels, leading to improved financial value for households and strengthening the country's foreign exchange reserves. The government plans to continue investing in the efficiency and ease of use of digital and banking channels to support the scheme and further formalize remittance inflows.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recognizes the significant value of formal remittances in the business sector, as they help achieve a current account surplus, boost national development, and serve as a financial lifeline during crises, thereby improving the overall economic stability of Pakistan.
