Illegal migration to Europe fell 64pc: Naqvi

Illegal migration to Europe fell 64pc: Naqvi

• Minister says challenging task achieved despite limited resources • Global organisations praise Pakistan’s measures to curb illegal migration ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded a 64 per cent decline in illegal migration to Europe, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday, calling it a challenging task achieved despite limited resources. The minister was speaking during separate meetings with Dir­ector General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Deve­lopment (ICMPD) Susanne Raab and Executive Director of Fron­tex, the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency Hans Leijtens. Both the ICMPD and Frontex praised Pakistan’s measures to curb illegal migration. The meetings decided to enhance mutual cooperation with the ICMPD and Frontex for prevention of illegal migration and reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen joint measures for curbing illegal migration and border management. Despite limited resources, a 64 per cent reduction in illegal immigration was a challenging task,“ Mr Naqvi said, adding that the challenge of preventing irregular migration was accepted and the entire team worked day and night. “Our next target is 100 per cent reduction in illegal immigration, which will be achieved at all costs,” the interior minister said. He said opening new avenues for legal migration was essential to reduce illegal migration, adding that modern technology and training of officers were required to prevent illegal immigration. He said focus was being given to enhancing the capacity of institutions in accordance with modern requirements to make border management more effective, adding that more practical measures and coordinated cooperation were needed for elimination of illegal migration. He said the target was to install modern technology-equipped cameras at 500 immigration counters at all airports of the country, adding that through modern cameras, people involved in illegal migration and human smuggling could be immediately brought under the law. “Cooperation with the ICMPD and Frontex is of key importance,” the interior minister said. “Pakistan’s efforts against illegal immigration are commendable,” the ICMPD DG said. The ICMPD delegation also praised the FIA’s risk analysis report. “Every possible cooperation will be extended to Pakistan in achieving the goal of complete elimination of illegal immigration,” she said. “Pakistan’s measures taken to curb illegal immigration are admirable,” Mr Leijtens said, adding, “We will play every possible role in achieving the set target of complete elimination of illegal immigration.” The Frontex delegation included Director International Relations, Governance and Strategy Eva Kapouna, Director Intelligence Division Stefano Fella, Head of Unit for International Cooperation Jan Wiestel and Senior Liaison Officer to Pakistan Ralph Schoepflin. Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2026