EU warns Pakistan over migrant cooperation

BRUSSELS:

The European Union complained on Tuesday about difficulties in deporting migrants, warning it could take steps against Islamabad if it fails to comply with a deal on repatriations.

Struggling with its biggest flow of refugees since World War II, the EU persuaded Pakistan in November to restore a suspended agreement to facilitate the return of Pakistani illegal immigrants without documentation.

Pakistan was one of the top five countries of origin among the one million migrants who arrived in Europe last year, although most are considered economic migrants rather than refugees from conflict.

“While discussions have been good and positive, we note that there are still difficulties with this readmission deal,” European Commission spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud told a news briefing.

“The Commission is currently examining possible incentives  so that this accord is applied properly.”


Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2016.