EU Commissioner Meets Naqvi, Praises 64% Migration Decline
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner praises Pakistan's reported 64% reduction in irregular migration as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi seeks stronger border management, expanded legal migration pathways and opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers.
ISLAMABAD, October 13, 2026: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner held high-level talks in Islamabad, agreeing to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union on migration management, border security, institutional coordination and opportunities for legal migration.
The meeting, which also included delegation-level discussions, focused on joint efforts to prevent irregular migration while expanding lawful pathways for skilled Pakistani workers seeking employment opportunities in European countries.
During the talks, Commissioner Brunner appreciated Pakistan’s measures to curb irregular migration towards Europe, particularly the reported 64 percent reduction in such movements.
He described the decline as a significant achievement and acknowledged the professional performance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which he said had demonstrated effectiveness despite operating with limited resources.
Brunner observed that reducing irregular migration could help create greater opportunities for legal migration, opening possibilities for structured and regulated movement between Pakistan and European countries.
Naqvi Sets Target of Eliminating Irregular Migration
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s zero-tolerance policy towards irregular migration, describing it as a serious global challenge requiring coordinated international action.
He said Pakistan had already achieved a reported 64 percent reduction in irregular migration towards Europe and that the government’s next objective was to eliminate such movements entirely.
Naqvi emphasised that Pakistan and the European Union needed to work together to address the issue effectively, combining enforcement measures with improved opportunities for lawful migration.
He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral and institutional coordination to ensure sustainable progress.
Legal Migration and Skilled Workforce Opportunities Discussed
A major focus of the discussions was the promotion of legal migration and the expansion of employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in European countries.
Both sides discussed closer cooperation to facilitate regulated migration channels while discouraging irregular routes.
The engagement reflected a shared interest in linking migration management with labour mobility and opportunities for qualified workers.
Although the discussions highlighted the importance of expanding legal migration, no specific new visa quota, employment allocation or recruitment programme was announced in the meeting details.
Pakistan, EU Agree to Strengthen Border Management
The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in border security, immigration management and institutional coordination.
Discussions also covered measures to improve operational collaboration between Pakistani authorities and relevant European institutions.
The delegations agreed to work together under the European Union’s Eastern Corridor Initiative, a framework intended to support international cooperation against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
Both sides also discussed enhancing cooperation to improve the operational capacity of Pakistan Coast Guards, reflecting the importance of stronger institutional preparedness in migration and border management.
The European Commissioner assured Pakistan of continued cooperation and support in addressing irregular migration.
FIA’s Role Receives European Appreciation
Commissioner Brunner specifically recognised the performance of the Federal Investigation Agency in tackling irregular migration despite resource constraints.
The recognition highlighted the agency’s role in Pakistan’s broader immigration enforcement and border management efforts.
Strengthening institutional capabilities and coordination remains an important component of Pakistan-EU cooperation, particularly in managing cross-border movements and promoting lawful travel.
Diplomatic Engagement Builds on Earlier Cooperation
The Islamabad meeting follows a series of recent engagements between Pakistan and European migration and border management institutions.
In September 2026, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings with senior representatives of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
Those discussions also addressed Pakistan’s reported 64 percent reduction in irregular migration towards Europe and explored stronger cooperation in border management and legal mobility.
The latest meeting with Commissioner Brunner provides another high-level platform for advancing cooperation on these shared priorities.
Senior Officials Attend Islamabad Meeting
The meeting was attended by the Federal 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 Immigration and Passports, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and other senior officials.
The engagement concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation on irregular migration prevention, legal immigration, border management and institutional capacity-building.
The discussions also underscored the importance of coordinated action between Pakistan and the European Union to address migration challenges while developing safer and more organised opportunities for lawful international mobility.
