Use of legal remittance channels stressed

Pakistanis in the Kingdom should only use legal channels to send money home to their loved ones, said an official from a global money transfer company.
Xpress Money country manager Albin Joseph said his company is supporting Pakistan government efforts to heighten awareness about the issue here and in Pakistan. The company is using a Pakistan television channel to target sections of the community.
He added that in Jeddah, Pakistan Consul General Aftab Ahmed Khokhar had addressed a gathering on legal remittances and awarded certificates of appreciation to community members. There were similar events organized in Madinah.
Joseph said that Pakistani expatriates across the world, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, sent home $ 13.16 billion last year. He expects remittances to increase to an estimated $ 15 billion at the end of this financial year.