SDPI Organizes Dialogue on Safe Migration Pathways for Aspiring Pakistani Migrants

ISLAMABAD: The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) organized a high-level dialogue on ‘Safe Migration Pathways for Aspiring Pakistani Migrants,’ where experts underscored the need for structured and legal migration channels to address the root causes of irregular migration.

Philipp Oliver Gross, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to structured migration partnerships with Pakistan. He highlighted that while Europe faces labor shortages, many Pakistani migrants lack the required skill levels. He said the EU’s Talent Partnership Programme aims to bridge this gap by aligning workforce training with European market demands. The EU has allocated €20 million (2021-2027) to support vocational training, migration governance, and reintegration programs, he added.

Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, said migration is a key economic driver but requires balanced policies to maximize benefits while minimizing social challenges. He noted that Pakistan’s remittances have reached $35 billion, yet structured migration policies could unlock further economic potential. He revealed that a comprehensive National Migration Policy is under review and will soon be presented to the federal cabinet for approval. He also highlighted the EU-Pakistan Talent Partnership and collaborations with Germany, Finland, and Estonia for vocational training in IT, healthcare, and technical trades. Additionally, Pakistan is developing a cloud-based platform to connect workers with verified international employers and offering migration loans through debit cards to facilitate financial planning for legal migration.

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers, civil society, and international agencies to establish a migration framework prioritizing security, economic development, and human dignity. He said structured legal migration channels, skill development initiatives, and enhanced governance could help Pakistan maximize the benefits of labor mobility while mitigating irregular migration risks.

Muhammad Tayyab, Director-General of the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment, presented an overview of Pakistan’s migration trends, noting a growing demand for skilled labor internationally. He stated that nearly 58-59% of Pakistani migrants are unskilled, creating a mismatch with global job market requirements. Calling for a “Skill Emergency,” he urged stronger government collaboration with training institutions such as NAVTTC and TEVTA. He also disclosed that under recent policy reforms, 600 licenses of overseas employment promoters (OEPs) have been canceled, over 30 suspended for violations, and more than 500 complaints against illegal agents forwarded to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), resulting in PKR 150 million in recoveries. The Bureau is also digitizing recruitment channels to enhance transparency and reduce reliance on intermediaries. He added that labor migration contributes $32 billion annually to Pakistan’s economy, with over 1 million Pakistanis migrating each year.

Dr. Kashif Majeed Salik, Research Fellow at SDPI, discussed recent migrant tragedies, including the January 2025 sinking near Mauritania and previous incidents in Greece and the Mediterranean. He pointed out that while migration to Gulf countries remains largely regular but costly, irregular migration to Europe persists due to lower financial barriers but significantly higher risks.

Dr. G.M. Arif, a migration and development expert, noted that many migrants knowingly undertake dangerous journeys despite the risks. He stressed the need for enhanced oversight of migration intermediaries to prevent fraud and deception, suggesting that Pakistan learn from the Philippines’ district-level migration regulation model.

Ms. Raana Rahim, Senior Advisor at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, emphasized the role of awareness campaigns in ensuring safe migration decisions. She highlighted the effectiveness of Migration Resource Centers (MRCs) in Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, which educate potential migrants about legal pathways and the dangers of irregular migration. She noted that many irregular migrants are young males with low education levels, often influenced by family and peer pressure.

Sajjad Mustafa Bajwa, a former senior officer at the FIA, explained how smugglers exploit legal loopholes and shift transit routes, particularly through Iran, Turkey, and Libya, as stricter border controls limit direct access to Europe. He pointed out that human smugglers frequently misuse religious visa provisions, sending migrants to Iran, Iraq, or Saudi Arabia as religious pilgrims before illegally transitioning to Europe. Pakistan’s crackdown on human smuggling has intensified, with several FIA officials suspended for negligence. He stressed the need for specialized immigration courts to further strengthen legal deterrents against human trafficking.

The dialogue concluded with experts emphasizing structured migration pathways, skill development initiatives, and robust regulatory frameworks as essential tools to curb irregular migration while enhancing economic opportunities for Pakistani workers.