By Mehrab Shah Afridi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis seeking employment in Europe have received a significant boost, with Italy allocating a total of 10,500 job opportunities over the next three years. The announcement comes after dedicated efforts by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
According to ministry sources, the quota allows for 3,500 Pakistanis each year to take up seasonal and non-seasonal employment in Italy. Of these, 1,500 positions will be seasonal, while 2,000 will be non-seasonal roles. The jobs span sectors including shipbreaking, hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, and related skilled and semi-skilled trades.
Roles available for Pakistani workers include welders, technicians, chefs, waitstaff, housekeeping personnel, nurses, medical technicians, farmers, and agricultural workers. Officials noted that Italy is the first European country to formally allocate a specific employment quota for Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, described the development as a “milestone” for Pakistan, saying the allocation would open doors to Europe’s labor market after years of sustained diplomatic and policy efforts. He added that the government is committed to providing Pakistanis with dignified global employment opportunities, recognizing overseas workers as vital contributors to the national economy and as ambassadors of the country abroad.
The ministry also announced that the second meeting of the Pakistan-Italy Joint Working Group would be held in Islamabad in February 2026, aimed at further strengthening bilateral labor cooperation. Officials expressed hope that more European countries would soon follow Italy in opening up structured employment opportunities for Pakistani workers.
