Pakistan has urged the European Union to expand legal migration opportunities for skilled workers and professionals as both sides discuss measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the issue during talks with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Islamabad on October 13.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussions covered migration and mobility under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.
Sharif outlined measures taken by Pakistan to address migrant smuggling and trafficking, including legislative changes, stronger institutions, enforcement and international cooperation.
He argued that action against irregular migration should be accompanied by practical legal routes for workers seeking employment abroad.
The prime minister said greater access to lawful employment opportunities could help meet labour-market demand in European countries while reducing the risks faced by people using smuggling networks.
Brunner acknowledged Pakistan’s cooperation and expressed support for continued engagement on legal migration and labour mobility.
The meeting did not announce a new EU visa programme, a country-specific recruitment quota or an agreement guaranteeing additional work permits for Pakistani nationals.
Further progress would depend on subsequent arrangements between Pakistan, European institutions and individual EU member states.
Pakistan Report Illustration — Pakistan and the European Union discuss legal migration and employment opportunities.