Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi secured a major diplomatic breakthrough as Italy announced it would issue 10,500 work visas for skilled Pakistani labourers.According to the report, Italy also declared that holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports would be exempt from Italian visa requirements, following a request by the Pakistani minister.During the visit, Interior Minister Naqvi met his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, where the two sides discussed internal security matters and measures to curb illegal immigration.

Naqvi briefed the Italian minister on the Pakistani government’s effective steps to prevent illegal migration, highlighting enhanced monitoring at airports and sea borders to reduce unlawful departures. The Italian interior minister praised the Pakistani Ministry of Interior’s policy to combat illegal immigration and formally announced the allocation of 10,500 work visas for skilled Pakistani workers. Italian minister Matteo Piantedosi also confirmed visa exemption for Pakistani diplomatic passport holders.

The meeting further focused on strengthening cooperation against narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and terrorism. Both interior ministers appreciated ongoing efforts to counter illegal migration and human trafficking. Piantedosi commended the performance of Pakistani institutions in tackling illegal immigration, drug trafficking and human smuggling, describing their achievements as noteworthy.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)