Pakistan, EU seek expanded legal migration opportunities for skilled workers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for greater opportunities for safe, orderly and legal migration to Europe, stressing that efforts to prevent irregular migration must be accompanied by practical pathways for Pakistani workers and professionals.

He made the remarks during a meeting with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, who is visiting Pakistan for the first time. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union (EU) on migration, mobility and employment opportunities.

Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and migrant smuggling through legislative reforms, stronger institutions, effective enforcement and international cooperation. He said expanding legal opportunities for skilled Pakistanis would help European countries meet their labour-market requirements while protecting prospective migrants from smuggling networks.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the EU under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, adopted in 2019. Brunner appreciated Pakistan’s cooperation and expressed confidence that continued efforts to curb irregular migration would support the expansion of legal migration opportunities.

President Asif Ali Zardari also met Brunner at Aiwan-e-Sadr and called for structured cooperation to facilitate legal migration for Pakistani workers and professionals. He stressed that progress in controlling irregular migration should be matched by expanded skills-based mobility and safe routes for employment in Europe.

According to the Presidency, Pakistan has continued implementing the EU Readmission Agreement and has received more than 30,000 individuals over the years. Zardari also cited EU figures indicating that irregular migration from Pakistan had declined by 64 per cent over the preceding 18 months.

The president said the reduction reflected Pakistan’s sustained efforts to tackle illegal migration and highlighted the need to provide legitimate employment opportunities to reduce dependence on smuggling networks.

He described the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue as an important mechanism for matching Pakistan’s workforce with European labour-market needs. He expressed hope that the next round of talks, expected to take place in Brussels early next year, would produce practical progress.

Zardari also welcomed the expansion of the EU Talent Partnerships framework and called for more opportunities for skilled professionals, including through circular migration. He urged the EU to consider establishing a European Legal Gateway Office in Pakistan to facilitate structured recruitment and legal employment pathways.

Brunner appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability and commended its efforts to prevent migrants from undertaking dangerous journeys that often cost lives.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held talks with the EU commissioner on strengthening cooperation in migration and mobility. Dar highlighted Pakistan’s measures against migrant smuggling and human trafficking, stressing that enforcement efforts should be complemented by increased opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in European countries.

Brunner acknowledged Pakistan’s progress and the potential for expanding legal migration channels. Dar expressed confidence that the visit would help translate ongoing engagement into practical outcomes for both sides.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately met Brunner to discuss border management, migration controls and legal employment opportunities. During delegation-level talks, the commissioner praised the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for its professional performance and efforts to curb irregular migration despite limited resources.

Brunner said the reported 64 per cent decline in irregular migration from Pakistan to Europe was commendable and could help create opportunities for legal migration.

Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal migration. He added that the government aimed to eliminate the practice after achieving the reported reduction and called for stronger cooperation with the EU to address the issue.

The two sides also discussed closer coordination on border security, expanding employment opportunities for skilled workers and cooperation under the EU’s Eastern Corridor Initiative to combat illegal migration.

Enhancing the operational capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guard was another subject of discussion. Brunner assured Pakistan of the EU’s possible cooperation in this area.