By Nadeem Tanoli
ISLAMABAD: Italy has allocated up to 10,500 work permits for Pakistani workers till 2028 under a labour mobility arrangement, creating legal employment prospects in Europe as Pakistan moves to introduce safeguards against fraud, favouritism and exploitation.
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhary Salik Hussain informed the National Assembly that Pakistan and Italy had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Labour Mobility to facilitate safe, lawful and regulated movement of manpower.
Under Italy’s Decreto Flussi programme, around 10,500 work permits have been earmarked for Pakistani nationals up to 2028. The expected yearly share is about 3,500 workers, though the final annual figure will be subject to quota notifications issued by the Italian government.
The employment openings are spread across several sectors and are not confined to a single trade. These may include agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transport, hospitality, logistics, mechanics, telecommunications, shipbuilding, food processing, fishing, crafts and healthcare-related services.
The government clarified that the scheme is employer-driven. Italian employers select workers and submit applications electronically to the Italian authorities during designated application windows known as Click Days. Pakistani authorities do not decide which individual receives an Italian work permit.
Pakistan is also putting in place a broader mechanism so that genuine skilled workers are able to benefit from the opportunity. The ministry said a high-level Inter-Institutional Committee has been constituted, comprising officials from the ministry, the Overseas Employment Corporation, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment and the Community Welfare Attaché in Italy.
The committee will supervise the programme, monitor progress and strengthen coordination between institutions in Pakistan and Italy.
The government intends to engage directly with Italian employers and business organisations through Government-to-Government and Business-to-Business channels to generate more demand for Pakistani labour. Licensed overseas employment promoters will also be permitted to establish direct contacts with Italian employers.
Officials said foreign job demands would be verified under Pakistan’s existing emigration rules before workers are sent abroad. Digital registration, online processing and public awareness campaigns are being improved to minimise delays and confusion for applicants.
The Pakistan-Italy Joint Working Group will continue to serve as the main forum for addressing issues and enhancing cooperation under the labour agreement, the government said.
A key focus of the plan is to protect workers from deception. Officials said recruitment would be allowed only through licensed Overseas Employment Promoters and approved public-sector channels.
Foreign job demands and employment contracts will be scrutinised before applications are processed further. Workers will also be required to complete the mandatory Protector registration and emigration clearance process.
The government said departing workers would be briefed on their approved job contracts, wages, accommodation and other employment conditions before leaving Pakistan.
Complaint mechanisms are available through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, Protectorates of Emigrants and Pakistan’s Mission in Italy. These channels are meant to help workers report difficulties and seek assistance.
The ministry further stated that action would be taken against illegal agents and fraudulent recruitment practices. Records of employers and workers will be maintained, while recruitment activities will be monitored.
To expand the pool of genuine skilled workers eligible for Italian jobs, Pakistan is working on a verified database of skilled manpower. The database will involve the Overseas Employment Corporation, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, NAVTTC, TEVTAs and other technical training institutions.
The government said training and certification would be aligned with the needs of the Italian labour market. Language preparation will also be encouraged to help workers better understand their duties and working conditions.
Digital systems are being strengthened to track applications, work permits, visas, emigration clearances and worker departures. Regular meetings will be held to review progress and resolve issues.
The ministry said progress reports on job placements, employer engagement and implementation would continue to be submitted to the relevant authorities, including the National Assembly.
The government also plans awareness drives to warn citizens against illegal migration and unauthorised recruitment.
The question and the minister’s reply were placed before the National Assembly during its 29th session.
