Pakistan-EU Forge Historic Migration Partnership at Rome SummitQ4M Dialogue Marks New Era for Legal Work Pathways

Rome | GNP — In a landmark diplomatic initiative, Pakistan and key European Union member states have agreed to significantly expand legal work pathways for Pakistani nationals, as Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi led his country’s delegation at the inaugural session of the Quadrilateral for Migration (Q4M) dialogue in Rome.
The unprecedented forum — conceived by Minister Naqvi himself — brought together the Interior Ministers of Italy and Spain, along with Greece’s Migration Minister, marking the first structured multilateral engagement between Pakistan and the EU specifically focused on regulated migration and labor mobility.
10,500 Jobs, 47% Drop in Illegal Arrivals — Pakistan Delivers Results
Minister Naqvi highlighted Italy’s award of 10,500 job quotas under a bilateral MoU signed in Islamabad on May 7, 2025, translating to 3,500 work opportunities annually for Pakistani skilled and unskilled workers. The MoU, signed with Italian Interior Minister Piantedosi, has already seen active follow-up through Joint Working Group meetings and technical cooperation.
In a significant indicator of Pakistan’s commitment to combating irregular migration, Q4M ministers acknowledged a 47% reduction in irregular sea arrivals from Pakistan in 2025 compared to previous years — a figure that drew praise from all participating nations.
EU States Pledge to Champion Pakistani Workforce
Greece and Spain affirmed their intention to finalize bilateral Labor and Migration Mobility agreements with Pakistan, similar to the Italian MoU. All Q4M members pledged to advocate for greater employment opportunities for Pakistani workers at the EU Justice & Home Affairs Council (JHA) meeting in Brussels on March 6, 2026.
The forum recognized rising demand for Pakistani workers in sectors including domestic care, tourism, hospitality, and agriculture, and acknowledged the valuable contributions of Pakistani diaspora communities to their host nations’ economies.
Minister Naqvi also emphasized Pakistan’s active cooperation with FRONTEX and INTERPOL against human trafficking networks, and reaffirmed Islamabad’s readiness to combat irregular departures despite mounting counter-terrorism pressures on law enforcement agencies.
“We must promote regular pathways as the most effective deterrent to illegal migration,” Naqvi urged EU partners, reinforcing Pakistan’s dual commitment to protecting its citizens through legal channels while cracking down on criminal smuggling networks.