The Cost of Chasing Dreams Abroad: A Tale of Two Choices
In recent times, many Pakistanis, inspired by others, have set out to move to the UK, Europe, or the USA. Some have succeeded, while others remain caught in the effort to migrate. Let me share the story of two individuals who faced contrasting outcomes in their pursuit of a better life abroad. Although I won’t disclose their names or cities, the lessons from their experiences are universal.
The First Story: A Costly Struggle in the UK
The first individual hailed from a village and was relatively educated. He sold a significant portion of his ancestral land, fetching nearly 10 million PKR (Pakistani Rupees), to fund his journey abroad. He consulted two agents: one offered a route to the USA via South America for 9 million PKR, while the other proposed a direct work permit to the UK for about the same cost.
Driven by the desire to join the wave of people heading abroad, he chose the UK option. Within a month of arriving, however, his dreams began to unravel. The company that sponsored his work permit had no actual job for him, and the permit was soon canceled.
Faced with two choices—returning to Pakistan or finding another work permit—he decided to stay. Through a connection, he secured another work permit but had to pay a hefty fee, depleting his remaining savings. This left him completely broke in Pakistan.
The new company informed him that while they couldn’t offer a job, they could help him find one elsewhere. However, he would need to pay both his own taxes and the company’s government-mandated taxes to keep his permit valid.
Desperate, he took on two jobs, but even after covering his expenses, taxes, and rent, he could barely save 50,000 to 60,000 PKR a month to send back home. This was after spending nearly 18 million PKR in total to settle abroad.
The Second Story: Building a Life Locally
The second individual also dreamed of moving abroad but lacked formal education. He had saved around 3 million PKR for his plans but couldn’t proceed. On the advice of a well-wisher, he decided to invest the money locally instead.
He opened a general store in his area and added a chicken meat counter alongside. Within a few months, his small venture began earning him a significant monthly profit. Today, he enjoys a comfortable life with his family, earning far more than he could have if he had gone abroad.
Lessons to Learn
These two stories highlight the importance of making informed decisions. Jumping on the bandwagon of migration without research and planning can lead to disastrous consequences.
If you are highly skilled—such as a doctor, engineer, or IT professional—and receive a genuine job offer from abroad, it might make sense to go. However, selling off assets and blindly heading overseas is not the answer, especially in a time when countries like the UK, USA, and Europe are facing economic recessions and tightening their visa policies.
On the other hand, investing in a local business, even on a small scale, can offer a stable and prosperous future. Sometimes, the opportunities we seek abroad can be created right at home.
Think carefully, research thoroughly, and consult trusted advisors before making such life-altering decisions. Chasing a dream is worthwhile, but it should not come at the cost of financial ruin or personal despair.