Rome, Italy – Web Desk: Pakistan and Italy have agreed to issue 10,500 work visas for skilled Pakistani workers, as Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi in Rome to enhance cooperation on migration and security.
The agreement was reached during Naqvi’s official visit to Italy, where both sides discussed expanding bilateral collaboration in internal security, curbing illegal immigration and promoting regulated, legal migration pathways.
Italian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest, particularly in facilitating legal employment opportunities for Pakistani workers under structured visa programmes.
Focus on Legal Migration, Security
At Naqvi’s request, the Italian side also expressed willingness to grant visa exemptions to holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports. Piantedosi noted that the matter had been discussed in earlier engagements as well.
The meeting further focused on joint efforts to combat human trafficking, counter narcotics and strengthen counterterrorism cooperation. Both ministers acknowledged ongoing measures to prevent illegal immigration and disrupt human smuggling networks.
Naqvi briefed his Italian counterpart on steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to curb unlawful migration, including enhanced surveillance at airports and sea borders. He said these measures had contributed to a noticeable reduction in illegal departures.
Institutional Cooperation
The Italian interior minister praised Pakistan’s recent initiatives in tackling irregular migration and commended Pakistani institutions for progress against human trafficking and drug smuggling.
Officials from Punjab Police also presented a briefing on the performance of Police Khidmat Markaz Global, which received appreciation from Italian authorities.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency Dr Usman Anwar, Managing Director of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority Ahsan Younas, and senior police officers attended the meeting.
The agreement is seen as a significant development for overseas employment opportunities, legal migration frameworks and Pakistan-Italy bilateral relations amid growing European demand for skilled foreign workers.
