‘Major development’: Italy announces over 10,000 work visas for Pakistanis
2026-02-25 - 06:03
ROME – Italy, a major European country, has announced issuing 10,500 work visa to skilled workers from Pakistan under legal migration channels. It was revealed by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during a meeting with Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi as both sides discussed enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Italy on internal security, curbing illegal immigration, and promoting legal migration channels. The initiative is aimed at strengthening regulated workforce mobility between the two countries. The Italian interior minister emphasized the need to deepen bilateral cooperation in promoting lawful migration and expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Visa Exemption for These Pakistanis At the request of the Pakistani side, Italy also expressed willingness to grant visa exemption to holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports. Matteo Piantedosi noted that discussions on the matter had taken place in an earlier meeting as well. The talks also covered joint efforts against narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism. Both ministers acknowledged ongoing measures to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking, appreciating the progress made so far. Mohsin Naqvi briefed his Italian counterpart on Pakistan’s steps to prevent irregular migration, highlighting stricter monitoring at airports and maritime borders, which he said had led to a noticeable decline in illegal departures. The Italian minister commended Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior for its policy measures to tackle irregular migration and praised Pakistani institutions for their achievements in combating human smuggling and drug trafficking. The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency Dr. Usman Anwar, Managing Director of the Punjab Safe City Authority Ahsan Younis, and senior police officers Abid Khan and Sohail Chaudhry. Financial requirement for Italy Schengen visa from Pakistan [November 2025]