In a major development for Pakistani skilled workers, Italy has announced the issuance of thousands of work visas for Pakistanis, following a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi.
According to official sources, the two ministers held detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in internal security and curbing illegal immigration. Measures to enhance collaboration against drug trafficking, human smuggling and terrorism also came under review.
During the meeting, both sides appreciated the steps taken to prevent illegal migration and human trafficking, agreeing to further reinforce joint efforts in these areas.
The Italian interior minister announced that 10,500 work visas would be issued to Pakistan’s skilled workforce to promote legal migration. He expressed Italy’s readiness to expand cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest.
On the request of Mohsin Naqvi, the Italian minister also announced visa exemption for holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports travelling to Italy. He noted that the matter had been raised in an earlier meeting and progress had since been made.
Naqvi briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s measures to curb illegal immigration, highlighting stricter monitoring at airports and maritime borders, which he said had significantly reduced unlawful migration.
Piantedosi praised the Pakistani Ministry of Interior’s effective policy against illegal migration, human smuggling and narcotics, terming the achievements of Pakistani institutions commendable.
Officials of the Punjab Police also gave a briefing on the utility of Police Khidmat Markaz Global centres, which was appreciated by the Italian side.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, DG FIA Dr Usman Anwar, MD Punjab Safe Cities Authority Ahsan Younas, and senior police officers Abid Khan and Sohail Chaudhry.
