Italy to issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan’s skilled workers

‎In order to promote legal migration, Italy will issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan’s skilled labour force, said Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.

The development came during Piantedosi’s ‎meeting with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Rome. During the meeting, both sides reviewed internal security cooperation between Pakistan and Italy, as well as measures to curb illegal immigration, read an official statement released on Wednesday.

At Naqvi’s request, holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports will be granted visa exemption for Italy. The Italian interior minister recalled that this matter had been raised in a previous meeting regarding visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, read the statement.

‎‎The two ministers also discussed enhancing cooperation in combating narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism. Both sides appreciated the ongoing measures to prevent illegal immigration and human smuggling.

‎ Naqvi briefed his Italian counterpart on the effective steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to curb illegal immigration. He highlighted that strict monitoring at airports and maritime borders has led to a significant reduction in illegal immigration.

Meanwhile, ‎‎Piantedosi praised Pakistan’s policies in addressing illegal immigration. He further commended the achievements of Pakistani institutions in tackling illegal immigration, human smuggling, and drug trafficking.

‎‎Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation to promote legal migration. The Italian minister reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to expand cooperation with Pakistan in areas of shared interest.

‎‎During the meeting, officers of the Punjab Police briefed the participants on the utility and effectiveness of the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, which was highly appreciated.

‎‎Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, Director General FIA Dr Usman Anwar, Managing Director Punjab Safe City Authority, Ahsan Younas and senior police officers Abid Khan and Sohail Chaudhry were also present on the occasion.