Pakistan and EU pledge deeper partnership to curb illegal migration
Pakistan’s interior minister and the EU’s migration commissioner agreed in Islamabad to expand joint efforts on border security and legal migration after a reported 64% drop in illegal flows to Europe.
In Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with EU Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner to formalise a broader collaboration on curbing illegal migration. The officials noted a 64% decline in unauthorized departures to Europe, attributing the success to the Federal Investigation Agency’s efforts. Both parties pledged to boost border security, improve institutional coordination, and promote legal migration routes, especially for skilled workers.
They also agreed to cooperate on the EU’s Eastern Corridor Initiative and to increase capacity-building for the Pakistan Coast Guard. Naqvi emphasized a zero-tolerance policy and set the ultimate aim of eradicating illegal migration, while Brunner offered continued EU assistance. The meeting was attended by senior Pakistani officials from various security and immigration agencies.
Why it matters
The agreement could further reduce illegal migration flows and create more legal pathways for workers between Pakistan and Europe.
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