Italy has announced it will issue 10,500 work visas for skilled Pakistani workers in a major diplomatic and labour cooperation development between the two countries. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Rome between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on 25 February 2026.
A Strategic Agreement on Legal Migration
According to both Italian and Pakistani official statements, the issuance of 10,500 work visas is part of an effort by Italy to promote legal migration and create structured pathways for employment of skilled Pakistani labourers in Europe. The decision reflects broader cooperation between the two countries on labour mobility, migration control, and internal security.
During the talks, Piantedosi stated, “10,500 work visas will be issued for Pakistan’s skilled labour force to promote legal migration.” The initiative follows an arrangement reached in December 2025, when Italy granted Pakistan a labour quota of 10,500 jobs — representing an annual allocation of 3,500 positions over the next three years covering both seasonal and non-seasonal sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, and shipbreaking.
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Diplomatic Passport Exemption and Enhanced Cooperation
In addition to the work visas, both sides agreed that holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports will be exempted from Italian visa requirements, responding to a specific request by Minister Naqvi during the meeting. This visa-free entry provision is expected to facilitate smoother diplomatic travel between Islamabad and Rome.
The discussions also covered internal security cooperation, focusing on strengthening joint action against illegal immigration, human smuggling, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Both ministers praised the efforts of Pakistani authorities in tightening surveillance at airports and sea borders and cracking down on organised smuggling networks, which have contributed to a noteworthy reduction in illegal departures.
Combating Irregular Migration and Human Smuggling
The visa initiative is particularly significant against the backdrop of intensified efforts by Pakistan to curb irregular migration. The country stepped up measures after a major Mediterranean tragedy in 2023 when hundreds of migrants — including many Pakistanis — drowned near Pylos, Greece, prompting stronger enforcement against dangerous sea routes and trafficking networks.
At the meeting, Piantedosi acknowledged these efforts, saying Pakistan’s policies to counter illegal immigration, human smuggling, and drug trafficking were commendable and that Italy was ready to expand cooperation.
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Impact on Employment and Bilateral Relations
The new work visa allocation is likely to create employment opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers and help regulate overseas labour migration through lawful channels. It also strengthens economic ties between Pakistan and Italy and sets a precedent for structured labour cooperation between Pakistan and European countries.
Officials from the Punjab Police briefed Italian counterparts on the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, showcasing modern citizen services that support overseas Pakistanis.
What This Means for Pakistan’s Workforce
For many Pakistanis seeking work abroad, this agreement opens new legal avenues to pursue opportunities in Europe. Given the ongoing global demand for skilled labour, such initiatives help transition workers from perilous irregular migration routes to safer, regulated employment pathways.
As bilateral cooperation deepens, both countries are poised to benefit from improved labour mobility, stronger security partnerships, and enhanced diplomatic relations.
