Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi during a visit to Italy on Wednesday to discuss measures to curb illegal migration.

Naqvi briefed Piantedosi on the steps taken by the Pakistani government to prevent illegal immigration.

In response, the Italian minister announced that Italy will issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan’s skilled labour force to promote legal migration, and that Pakistani diplomatic passport holders will be exempted from Italian visa requirements.

Naqvi also met with Greek Interior Minister Dimitris Keridis in Rome, where both sides agreed to take joint measures against illegal immigration and human trafficking.

During the meetings, Pakistan and Italy decided to increase cooperation to promote legal migration and agreed to sign a migration cooperation agreement that has been pending for two years.

It was further agreed that a joint working group would be formed between Pakistan and Greece to enhance cooperation. The Greek minister welcomed Pakistan’s steps against illegal immigration and human trafficking.

Matteo Piantedosi praised Pakistan’s policies to combat illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, calling the country’s institutional achievements in these areas “commendable.”

The meetings also included a briefing by Punjab Police officers on the effectiveness of the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, which received high appreciation from the Italian side.