ISLAMABAD: Italy has agreed to issue 10,500 work visas to Pakistani nationals and waive visa requirements for holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said.
The announcement followed a meeting in Rome between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Italian counterpart.
According to the Interior Ministry, the Italian side confirmed that 10,500 work visas would be allocated for Pakistani skilled workers under Italy’s legal migration framework. The measure is aimed at facilitating regulated labour mobility while addressing workforce needs.
During the meeting, both sides discussed cooperation on migration management, including efforts to curb irregular migration and human smuggling.
The ministry said Pakistan briefed Italian authorities on steps taken to prevent illegal migration and strengthen border controls.
Italian officials acknowledged Pakistan’s cooperation in tackling irregular migration and related transnational crimes, including human trafficking and narcotics smuggling, according to the statement.
The two countries also agreed to continue coordination to promote legal migration pathways and enhance bilateral cooperation in law enforcement matters.
No timeline was provided for the implementation of the new visa allocation.
