Pakistan, EU Agree to Expand Legal Migration (pehli pasand)
PM Shehbaz says action against irregular migration should go hand in hand with safe, legal routes for skilled workers.
PM Shehbaz Sharif meets EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner in Islamabad to discuss legal migration, skilled workers and action against human smuggling under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed on Tuesday, October 13, Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union (EU), with a focus on legal migration, skilled workers and action against human smuggling. He made the remarks while meeting Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, who called on him in Islamabad on his first visit to Pakistan.
Migration and Mobility Cooperation
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation on migration and mobility, one of the eight pillars of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the partnership and reaffirmed his commitment to closer cooperation across all areas covered by the plan.
Pakistan’s Efforts
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s continued efforts to curb irregular migration and combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking, including legislative reforms, stronger institutions, effective enforcement and international cooperation.
Legal Routes for Skilled Workers
He said action against irregular migration should go hand in hand with practical opportunities for safe, orderly and legal migration. Wider legal routes for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals, he added, would help meet labour-market needs in European countries and reduce the risk of prospective migrants falling prey to smuggling networks.
EU Commissioner’s Response
Commissioner Brunner praised the measures taken by the Pakistani government and the cooperation it has extended. He expressed confidence that these efforts would help expand legal migration opportunities and promote mutually beneficial labour mobility between Pakistan and the EU.
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