ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — In a landmark development for Pakistan’s labour force, Italy has offered more than 10,000 job opportunities to Pakistani workers over the next three years, creating one of the first structured pathways for Pakistanis to work legally in Europe. The announcement has been welcomed by officials as a major step in expanding legal overseas employment avenues for the country’s workforce.
According to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, the Italian government has allocated a total of 10,500 jobs, with 3,500 Pakistani workers allowed to travel annually over the three-year period. This includes 1,500 positions under seasonal work permits and 2,000 under non-seasonal work permits per year, offering a combination of short-term and long-term employment opportunities.
The job opportunities cover a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, shipbreaking, and technical trades, catering to both skilled and semi-skilled workers. Roles available for Pakistani workers include welders, technicians, chefs, waiters, housekeeping staff, nurses, medical technicians, and farm workers, among others, providing a diverse array of employment options in Italy.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain described the development as a “historic milestone” for Pakistan’s overseas employment strategy. He emphasised that such initiatives not only support individual livelihoods but also boost the national economy through remittances and skills development. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to expand legal employment channels and curb irregular migration.
Officials added that this agreement could set a precedent for similar arrangements with other European nations, potentially opening more formal job markets to Pakistani workers. To ensure smooth implementation, the second meeting of the Pakistan‑Italy Joint Working Group is scheduled in Islamabad in February 2026, which will focus on expanding the quota and safeguarding workers’ rights.
Analysts believe that structured agreements like this represent a significant shift from high-risk irregular migration to regulated employment, offering Pakistani workers dignified opportunities abroad while helping Italy address labour shortages in key sectors. The deal is expected to strengthen bilateral labour ties and create a framework for future collaborations between the two countries.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.