Pakistan sees 64% decline in illegal migration to Europe amid FIA crackdown

Pakistan has witnessed a significant decline in the number of its citizens attempting to enter Europe through illegal routes, as stricter immigration controls and anti-human trafficking

Pakistan has witnessed a significant decline in the number of its citizens attempting to enter Europe through illegal routes, as stricter immigration controls and anti-human trafficking measures begin to produce tangible results.

According to official documents, the number of Pakistanis who illegally entered European countries during the first two months of the current year fell by 64 percent compared to the same period last year. The decline has also been acknowledged by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), which monitors irregular migration across the European Union’s external borders.

The documents reveal that 440 Pakistani nationals were detected entering Europe through irregular channels during January and February of this year. In comparison, 1,224 Pakistanis were recorded during the corresponding two-month period in 2025, reflecting a sharp reduction in illegal migration.

Officials attribute the improvement to a series of measures introduced by the federal government in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). These include enhanced passenger screening at international airports, stricter scrutiny of travel documents, the offloading of passengers suspected of attempting illegal migration, and intensified operations against human trafficking networks.

Sources familiar with the matter said immigration authorities have strengthened surveillance at major airports and increased coordination with international agencies to identify suspicious travel patterns. The crackdown has also targeted organized human smuggling groups accused of facilitating illegal journeys to Europe through dangerous land and sea routes.

Officials believe the decline demonstrates the effectiveness of the government’s ongoing efforts to curb irregular migration while discouraging citizens from risking their lives through illegal travel channels. They added that operations against human traffickers will continue, with further action planned to dismantle networks involved in facilitating unlawful migration.