Pakistan, EU discuss legal migration pathways and skilled worker mobility
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and the European Union discussed expanding legal migration opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers and professionals during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Islamabad on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the talks focused on strengthening cooperation on migration and mobility, one of the eight pillars of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan adopted in 2019.
Welcoming Brunner on his first visit to Pakistan, Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the European Union across all areas covered by the strategic plan.
The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to curb irregular migration and combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking through legislative reforms, stronger institutions, law enforcement and international cooperation.
He said efforts to prevent irregular migration should be accompanied by practical opportunities for people to migrate safely and legally.
Sharif emphasised that expanding legal pathways for Pakistani skilled workers and professionals could help European countries meet their labour-market needs while reducing the risk of prospective migrants falling victim to smuggling networks.
Brunner appreciated the measures taken by Pakistan and the cooperation extended by its government, according to the statement.
The EU commissioner expressed confidence that the efforts would help expand legal migration pathways and promote mutually beneficial labour mobility between Pakistan and the 27-member bloc.
Migration cooperation is an important part of relations between Pakistan and the EU, which has maintained engagement with Islamabad on migration management, mobility and related security concerns.
The statement did not announce any new agreement, visa policy changes, worker quotas or specific timelines for expanding legal migration opportunities.
The discussions come amid Pakistan’s efforts to promote overseas employment for its workforce and strengthen cooperation with European partners on migration management and human trafficking prevention.
