ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday met European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner to discuss cooperation on migration, border management and legal employment opportunities, following a 64 percent decline in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe.
The two leaders also held delegation-level talks during the meeting, where Brunner appreciated Pakistan’s measures against illegal migration and acknowledged the performance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Brunner said the 64 percent reduction in illegal migration to Europe, achieved through Pakistan’s effective measures, was commendable. He also praised the FIA for demonstrating professional capabilities despite limited resources.
He said the decline in illegal migration would help open pathways for legal migration.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal migration. He added that after reducing illegal migration by 64 percent, Pakistan’s next target was to eliminate it completely.
Naqvi said Pakistan and the European Union needed to work together to end illegal migration. He described the issue as a highly serious global challenge.
During the meeting, both sides discussed promoting legal migration between Pakistan and the European Union and expanding opportunities for skilled workers.
They agreed to increase cooperation to strengthen border security and promote legal immigration. Both sides also decided to further strengthen collaboration in migration, institutional cooperation and border management.
The two sides also agreed to work together on the European Union’s Eastern Corridor Initiative to eliminate illegal migration.
The meeting further discussed expanding mutual cooperation to enhance the operational capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards.
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner assured Pakistan of all possible cooperation in this regard.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary Interior, Special Secretary Interior, Additional Secretary Interior, Director General FIA, Inspector General Federal Constabulary, Director General National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Director General Passports, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and other officials.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
