ROME: Italy has agreed to issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan’s skilled labour force and will also grant visa-free access to holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports.
This came during a meeting in Rome between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi, according to a statement issued by the interior ministry on Wednesday.
The high-level delegation included Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, Director General FIA Dr Usman Anwar, and senior police officials. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations through expanded legal migration channels and enhanced joint security measures.
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
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 25, 2026
The Italian Interior Minister confirmed that 10,500 work visas would be allocated to promote legal migration from Pakistan. Italy also agreed to exempt holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports from visa requirements, a move aimed at facilitating high-level official engagements.
Mr Piantedosi noted that the issue of diplomatic visa waivers had been raised in previous discussions and expressed satisfaction at its resolution.
Beyond legal migration, the two ministers reviewed mechanisms to curb illegal immigration and human smuggling. Mr Naqvi briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s strict enforcement measures, including enhanced monitoring at airports and maritime borders, which he said had contributed to a marked decline in illegal migration attempts.
The Italian Interior Minister praised the “effective policies” of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and commended Pakistani institutions for their efforts in combating cross-border crime. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in tackling narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and terrorism.
During the meeting, officers from Punjab Police presented an overview of the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative. The digital service model, designed to streamline public services, was appreciated by the Italian delegation for its innovation and practical utility.
The agreements mark a significant step in Pakistan-Italy relations, positioning Italy as a key partner for Pakistan’s skilled workforce while reinforcing the legal and security framework between the two countries.
Pakistan announced last year that it had reduced illegal migration to Europe by 47 per cent in 2025, following an intensified nationwide crackdown that resulted in the arrest of more than 1,700 human smugglers.
