The Ministry of Labour and Overseas Pakistanis here estimates that 150,000 people, often the most highly skilled and qualified, leave the country legally every year, it is thought up to four or five times that number may be attempting to leave through illegal means, ," I.A. Rehman, HRCP director, said IRIN, the United Nations information unit.
The risks they run are immense. Between 2000 and 2005, at least 200 Pakistanis are thought to have perished while attempting to enter other countries without valid documents. Many died when vessels capsized at sea. Others, such as in 2001, the six Pakistani immigrants shot dead by Macedonian authorities, and then passed off as terrorists, suffered a still more tragic fate, he said.
"What choice do they have? Many can find no jobs, and wish to escape the endless grind of poverty and dejection," I.A. Rehman said.
Despite the fact that so many are forced by home, to lives made even grimmer than before their departure by the sums squandered on false documents and by the sense of failure, others continue to try to leave.
With unemployment, the unofficially estimated that 14 per cent are convinced they have no future in the country. Even those who are able to secure jobs often find salaries bear no relation to the cost of living in Pakistan.
Ahmeddin, a Gujrat based, 39, a driver in a private company said that I am well treated, and I earn Rs 4,000 ($67) per month. Pays Rs 2,000 utility bills, even though, using barely two electric bulbs and a black and white TV. Then, how can I survive?" asked Ahmeddin.
Ahmeddin with the help of his cousin, who is already in the UK, is attempting to migrate overseas. Who has promised to help him. Like many others, the agent Ahmeddin has been put in touch with, IRIN revealed in a report.
Dozens of falsified visas, passports, letters and other documents are produced daily in tiny offices and press located in the dingy back streets of the town. Many are good enough to fool even the expert eye.
People, especially young men, flock in hundreds to the offices of 'recruiters' each week, attempting to travel abroad.
It is not simply a policing issue, and should not be seen as one," Rehman said. He maintained far more 'holistic' policies were needed to tackle the root causes of the issue.
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