ISLAMABAD: Italy has formally confirmed the allocation of 10,500 work visas for skilled Pakistani nationals under a bilateral labour mobility framework aimed at promoting legal migration and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. The development was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Rome.
According to an official statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, the Italian government’s decision forms part of a broader strategy to encourage structured and regulated migration channels while discouraging irregular routes. The labour quota was originally agreed upon in December last year as part of ongoing bilateral engagements.
Structured Labour Quota Across Key Sectors
Under the agreement, Pakistani workers will be employed across multiple sectors facing labour shortages in Italy, including shipbreaking, agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare. The arrangement provides for both seasonal and non-seasonal employment categories.
Officials confirmed that approximately 3,500 Pakistani workers will be facilitated annually under the agreed framework. The phased distribution is designed to ensure a streamlined recruitment process, regulatory oversight, and worker protection. The initiative is expected to create sustainable employment opportunities for skilled Pakistanis while addressing workforce demands within Italy’s economy.
Visa-Free Entry for Diplomatic Passport Holders
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, both sides also agreed to grant visa-free entry into Italy for holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports. The decision was taken following a formal request by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Italian authorities acknowledged that the matter had previously been raised and expressed readiness to facilitate smoother diplomatic engagement.
The move is expected to strengthen institutional coordination, enhance official exchanges, and reinforce strategic ties between Islamabad and Rome.
Enhanced Cooperation on Security and Migration
During the meeting, the two interior ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation in internal security and discussed joint strategies to combat illegal immigration. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting safe, orderly, and legal migration pathways while intensifying efforts against human trafficking networks.
Minister Naqvi briefed his Italian counterpart on Pakistan’s recent measures to curb irregular migration. He highlighted enhanced monitoring mechanisms at airports and maritime borders, along with strengthened coordination among law enforcement agencies. According to the briefing, these measures have contributed to a notable decline in illegal migration attempts.
The discussions also covered collaboration in countering narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism. Italian officials appreciated Pakistan’s proactive approach and acknowledged the performance of its institutions in dismantling organized smuggling operations.
Institutional Engagement and Technical Briefings
Senior Pakistani officials accompanying the delegation included Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Dr. Usman Anwar, Managing Director of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority Ahsan Younas, and representatives from Punjab Police.
Punjab Police officials presented a detailed briefing on the “Police Khidmat Markaz Global” initiative, a digital facilitation platform designed to assist overseas Pakistanis with documentation and service delivery. The initiative was highlighted as part of Pakistan’s broader governance reforms aimed at improving transparency and public service accessibility.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The latest developments signal a deepening of Pakistan-Italy relations in labour mobility, diplomatic engagement, and transnational security cooperation. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to expanding lawful migration channels and enhancing collaboration to tackle cross-border crime.
Officials described the agreement as a balanced framework that simultaneously supports economic needs, protects migrant rights, and reinforces shared security objectives.
Further implementation details, including application procedures and sector-specific recruitment timelines, are expected to be announced by relevant authorities in the coming months.