Italy to issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan's skilled workers
Photo: Radio Pakistan
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi on Wednesday announced that Italy would issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan’s skilled labour force as part of efforts to promote legal migration, state-owned media outlet Radio Pakistan reported.
It added that the announcement was made during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Rome.
The meeting also focused on expanding cooperation in combating drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism. Both ministers praised the joint efforts made to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has said that ten thousand and five hundred work visas will be issued for Pakistan's skilled labour force to promote legal migration@MOIofficialGoP @ForeignOfficePk @ItalyMFA_int #RadioPakistan #News @PakinItaly… pic.twitter.com/EhOQlWfTgV
Piantedosi emphasised that the move was part of a broader initiative to enhance bilateral cooperation on legal migration. In addition, the Italian minister revealed that holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports would be exempt from Italy's visa requirements, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, Naqvi briefed his Italian counterpart on Pakistan's successful measures to combat illegal immigration, citing the significant reduction in illegal migration due to enhanced surveillance at airports and sea borders.
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Piantedosi acknowledged the effectiveness of Pakistani institutions in tackling illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling. He praised Pakistan's efforts, calling them "commendable".
Last week, following a high-level meeting on the Spanish resident card scheme for overseas Pakistanis, the Spanish government announced that eligible overseas Pakistanis would initially be issued one-year resident cards in Spain.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Spain, Dr Zahoor Ahmed, provided a detailed briefing on the scheme. He clarified that the policy was not intended for individuals seeking political asylum. The briefing also emphasised that applicants had to submit a character certificate and other required documents, the statement added.
Read More: Overseas Pakistanis eligible for one-year Spanish resident cards
According to officials, eligible individuals were initially issued a resident card valid for one year. After completing seven to eight years, a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship would be available. The verification process for documents was expedited to ensure applicants did not face difficulties.
It was decided that multiple character certificates would not be accepted; a single national character certificate would be issued by the National Police Bureau. The verification process was simplified and accelerated to make it easier for applicants, Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, adding that applicants would be provided full support at every stage.