Overseas Pakistanis OPF Membership Fee Proposal Under Review as Government Considers Mandatory Rs10,000 Plan
Overseas Pakistanis OPF Membership Fee Proposal gains momentum as approval moves to prime minister
A new policy proposal that could impact millions of expatriates is under consideration as the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) pushes to make membership mandatory for citizens living abroad. The plan, which includes a fee of Rs10,000 for a five-year period, is currently awaiting final approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The proposal has already received backing from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, marking a significant step forward in efforts to formalize engagement with the country’s global diaspora.
Officials say the initiative is aimed at strengthening support systems for overseas Pakistanis while ensuring sustainable funding for welfare services.
Mandatory OPF membership plan and fee structure explained
Under the proposed framework, all overseas Pakistanis would be required to register as members of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation by paying a one-time fee of Rs10,000, which would cover a period of five years.
According to OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza, making membership compulsory would allow the organization to better serve expatriates by increasing its financial resources.
He emphasized that the fee is relatively modest and would enable the foundation to expand its services, improve outreach, and address long-standing issues faced by Pakistanis living abroad.
If approved, the policy would apply to more than 12 million Pakistanis residing in regions including the Gulf, Europe, Asia, and North America.
Focus on overseas Pakistanis in UAE and Gulf region
The proposal is particularly significant for expatriates in the United Arab Emirates, where over two million Pakistanis live and work across various sectors.
The UAE remains one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s remittance inflows, making it a key focus area for government initiatives targeting overseas citizens.
Community members in cities like Dubai and Sharjah have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the idea of improved services while others question the need for mandatory fees.
The Gulf region as a whole plays a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s economy, with millions of workers contributing significantly through remittances.
Remittances highlight economic importance of diaspora
Overseas Pakistanis continue to play a crucial role in the country’s economic stability. Recent figures from the State Bank of Pakistan show strong growth in remittance inflows.
In the fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan recorded a historic $38.3 billion in remittances, with projections indicating that this figure could rise to between $41 billion and $42 billion in the current cycle.
Between July 2025 and February 2026, remittances increased by 10.5 percent, reaching $26.5 billion compared to $24 billion during the same period last year.
Monthly inflows have also shown steady growth, with February 2026 alone bringing in $3.3 billion. The largest contributions came from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
These figures underline the importance of overseas workers and strengthen the case for policies aimed at supporting and engaging the diaspora more effectively.
Proposed benefits and services for OPF members
The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation is planning to introduce a range of new services and benefits for its members as part of the proposed initiative.
These may include improved access to legal assistance, investment facilitation, educational support, and welfare programs designed to address the challenges faced by expatriates.
Officials believe that a structured membership system will help create a more organized platform for delivering these services while ensuring accountability and transparency.
The initiative is also expected to enhance communication between the government and overseas communities, making it easier to identify and resolve issues.
Global outreach and community engagement efforts
As part of its efforts to understand the needs of overseas Pakistanis, OPF leadership has been actively engaging with communities around the world.
Recent visits to countries such as Germany, South Korea, and Japan have provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by expatriates in different regions.
During a recent visit to the UAE, OPF officials met with business leaders, community representatives, and consulate staff to gather feedback and discuss potential improvements.
These interactions are expected to play a key role in shaping future policies and ensuring that the proposed membership system meets the needs of diverse communities.
Concerns and reactions from expatriate community
While the proposal has been welcomed by some as a step toward better support and representation, others have raised concerns about making membership mandatory.
Critics argue that expatriates already contribute significantly to the economy through remittances and investments, and additional financial obligations may not be well received.
There are also questions about how effectively the funds will be utilized and whether the promised services will be delivered efficiently.
Supporters, however, believe that the initiative could lead to long-term benefits by strengthening institutional support and improving the overall experience of living and working abroad.
Final approval awaited as policy decision nears
The proposal now awaits final approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose decision will determine whether the plan moves forward.
If approved, the policy could mark a major shift in how Pakistan engages with its diaspora, introducing a more structured and resource-backed approach to addressing their needs.
The coming weeks are expected to be crucial as the government reviews the proposal and considers its potential impact on millions of overseas Pakistanis.
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