Italy, Spain and Greece have endorsed Pakistan’s proposal to create legal pathways to curb illegal migration. The agreement was reached at a four-nation conference in Rome focused on tackling human smuggling. The move strengthens cooperation between Pakistan and European partners to address irregular migration and related crimes.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi represented Pakistan at the high-level meeting. European ministers agreed that regulated migration channels can dismantle smuggling networks and prevent dangerous journeys. Consequently, the three countries pledged support through the European Union to enhance Pakistan’s operational capacity. Officials described the consensus as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Read more: EU lauds Pakistan for 47% decline in illegal migration
According to the Ministry of Interior, the European partners praised Pakistan’s proactive steps against irregular migration. They highlighted a reported 47% reduction in illegal immigration cases from Pakistan. Naqvi reiterated that Pakistan maintains zero tolerance against human smuggling networks. The four nations also agreed on coordinated action against narcotics trafficking and transnational crime.
The countries decided that serious offenders involved in major crimes will be repatriated to Pakistan for legal proceedings. They further agreed to establish a joint framework and adopt coordinated strategies at all levels. Additionally, Pakistan and Greece reached consensus on signing a long-pending Migration Cooperation Agreement. Both sides also agreed to increase work visas to promote safe and legal migration.
Read more: Pakistan brings global partners together to address migrant smuggling
Earlier, Italy announced it would issue 10,500 work visas for skilled Pakistani workers. The decision followed Naqvi’s meeting with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Rome. Italy also agreed in principle to grant visa exemption to holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports. Officials said a Joint Working Group will now be formed to streamline cooperation and enhance technology-based law enforcement capacity.