Pakistan has reached an agreement with Italy on an employment scheme for Pakistani workers, marking a major step toward expanding overseas job opportunities, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain announced.

Salik Hussain said Pakistan and Italy have successfully concluded talks on an employment scheme that will allow Pakistani workers to access new job opportunities in Italy. He described the development as “great news” for overseas Pakistanis seeking lawful employment abroad.

The minister said the agreement reflects growing cooperation between the two countries on labour mobility.

According to the minister, a delegation from Italy is expected to visit Pakistan next month. The visiting team will work with Pakistani authorities to finalize procedures and implementation details of the employment scheme.

Officials say the visit will help streamline processes and ensure clarity on recruitment mechanisms.

Talks held with Gulf countries on visa easing

Salik Hussain also revealed that Pakistan has held discussions with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait regarding the easing of visa policies for Pakistani workers.

He said these talks were aimed at facilitating smoother access to Gulf job markets and improving conditions for Pakistani expatriates.

Positive response

The federal minister said Arab countries have responded positively to Pakistan’s proposals. He expressed optimism that the discussions would soon translate into practical measures benefiting overseas Pakistanis.

Salik Hussain added that the government remains committed to expanding safe and legal employment pathways abroad.

Also Read: Good news: Italy offers jobs to 10,500 Pakistanis

Late last month, In a major breakthrough for overseas employment, Pakistan secured a dedicated job quota from Italy, creating fresh, legal pathways for Pakistani workers seeking opportunities in Europe. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis announced that Italy had allotted Pakistan a total quota of 10,500 jobs over the next three years.

Under the agreement, 3,500 Pakistani workers would travel to Italy every year, providing long-term continuity and stability for overseas employment planning. According to the ministry, the annual quota included 1,500 seasonal jobs and 2,000 non-seasonal jobs for Pakistani nationals each year.

Sectors open for employment

Italy allocated job quotas for Pakistan in multiple sectors, including shipbreaking, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture, according to the ministry spokesperson.

Pakistani workers will be employed as welders, technicians, chefs, waiters, housekeeping staff, nurses, medical technicians, and agricultural workers, reflecting strong demand for Pakistan’s workforce.

Officials confirmed that Italy has become the first European country to formally allocate a dedicated employment quota for Pakistan.