Italy Announces 10,500 Work Visas for Pakistani Skilled Workers; Diplomatic Passport Holders to Receive Visa Exemption
Rome: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi in Rome, where both leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation on internal security and discussed comprehensive measures to curb illegal immigration.During the meeting, the Italian Interior Minister announced that Italy will issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan’s skilled workforce to promote legal migration channels. At the request of Mohsin Naqvi, Italy also agreed to grant visa exemption to holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports. The Italian side recalled that the matter had been raised in a previous meeting and reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating diplomatic travel.
The two ministers held detailed discussions on strengthening collaboration against narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and terrorism. Both sides appreciated ongoing efforts to prevent illegal immigration and dismantle smuggling networks.Mohsin Naqvi briefed his counterpart on the effective steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to control illegal immigration, highlighting strict monitoring at airports and maritime borders that has significantly reduced unlawful departures.Matteo Piantedosi praised the policies and performance of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and law enforcement agencies in tackling illegal immigration, human smuggling and drug trafficking.
Both countries agreed to further enhance mutual cooperation to promote safe and legal migration pathways. The Italian Interior Minister reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to expand collaboration with Pakistan in areas of shared interest.During the meeting, officers of the Punjab Police presented a briefing on the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, which received appreciation from the participants.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.
