ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan and Poland have agreed to work together to expand legal migration and employment opportunities for Pakistani citizens in Europe during high-level talks held in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry met Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, who is currently visiting Pakistan. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of security, migration and economic cooperation.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed that creating more legal employment opportunities for Pakistanis could help discourage illegal migration to Europe.
Siemoniak assured Pakistani officials that Pakistani citizens travelling to Poland through legal channels would be welcomed.
Naqvi said Pakistan has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal migration, drugs and organised crime. He said government measures had contributed to a 64 per cent decline in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe.
Pakistan, Poland expand security cooperation
Pakistan and Poland also agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, intelligence sharing and law enforcement.
The two sides discussed measures to combat organised crime and prevent illegal migration. They also agreed to accelerate work on several bilateral agreements, including arrangements for mutual legal assistance.
A delegation from Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, led by Talal Chaudhry, is expected to visit Poland in the near future. The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and following up on the agreements discussed during the talks in Islamabad.
The two countries also discussed the possibility of visa-free travel for holders of official passports. However, no agreement has been announced to provide visa-free travel for Pakistani citizens holding ordinary passports.
More employment opportunities for Pakistanis
The discussions also focused on expanding legal employment pathways for Pakistani workers seeking opportunities in Europe.
Officials from Pakistan and several other countries had earlier discussed coordinated measures to discourage illegal migration while promoting legal migration routes and official employment opportunities for Pakistani citizens.
Pakistan and Poland are also seeking to increase trade and business cooperation. During the meeting, Naqvi appreciated Poland’s support for Pakistan under the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme.
Poland has also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in economic and security-related areas.
Siemoniak appreciated Pakistan’s efforts toward regional peace and stability and expressed Poland’s willingness to further strengthen cooperation in security and economic matters.
Visa and employment process
Pakistani citizens seeking employment opportunities in Poland will still need to follow the country’s official visa and employment procedures.
Applicants are advised to use Poland’s official e-Consulate system for visa registration and remain cautious of individuals or agents claiming to guarantee visa appointments or employment opportunities.
The latest discussions are expected to provide a framework for further cooperation on legal migration, employment, security and bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and Poland.
