2023 Sees Record Pakistani Migration to Europe: NCHR Report

News Desk 

Islamabad: In 2022, Pakistan was not among the top ten countries in Europe for irregular migration. However, by mid-2023, it had risen to the 10th position, with migrations reaching 8,778 by December.

Political and economic instability, terrorist attacks, inflation, and declining education and job opportunities are major factors behind this significant increase in migration. Additionally, the devastating floods in 2023 further worsened economic prospects, with forecasts predicting a slowdown to 2.8 percent growth.

The report titled “Perilous Journeys: Unraveling Irregular Migration from Pakistan,” launched by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark, sheds light on these issues.

Following the report’s release, the NCHR has called for addressing the root causes of migration through sector-specific programs and local development initiatives.

Key Drivers

The report highlights that the primary driver of migration from Pakistan is the pursuit of economic opportunities, along with factors such as job availability, access to education, and social networks influencing destination choices. It also notes that a significant portion of Pakistan’s population, particularly in urban areas, expresses a desire to leave the country.

New Migration Route

The report mentions that Pakistani authorities have identified a new migration route via Dubai to Egypt or Libya, leading to Europe. In the first half of 2023, approximately 13,000 individuals left Pakistan for Libya or Egypt, with around 10,000 of these migrants not returning.

To address this issue, the report calls for the establishment of dedicated awareness units in smuggling-prone areas, awareness campaigns, special investigation units within districts, and investment in training systems to enhance human capital development.

It also suggests fiscal benefits, improved coordination, and data sharing among stakeholders.

Further recommendations include clarifying responsibilities among law enforcement agencies, establishing well-defined pathways for regular migration, promoting inter-institutional coordination, alleviating poverty, and increasing literacy among vulnerable communities.

Additionally, the report emphasizes enhancing prospects for safe, orderly, and regular migration by accommodating diverse skills and providing incentives to retain high-skilled professionals in the country.

The report aims to comprehensively examine the landscape of irregular migration originating from Pakistan. It emphasizes the distinction between human trafficking and migrant smuggling while shedding light on the drivers of migration, policy and legislative gaps, and associated human rights abuses.

NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha stressed the importance of this distinction.

State’s Responsibility

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that it is the state’s responsibility to provide an environment where citizens see their future within the country. He noted that creating such an environment requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, and that studies like this guide these efforts.

Chief of Mission IOM Mio Sato remarked that irregular migration is a pressing global issue. She noted that there are 281 million international migrants worldwide, accounting for 3.6 percent of the global population, with the trend increasing due to conflict, violence, political instability, climate change, and other disasters. She called for joint efforts to address the issue at every level.

Multifaceted Approach

The report concludes that addressing irregular migration requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders.

By addressing the underlying factors driving migration and ensuring the protection of migrants’ rights, policymakers can work towards creating a more secure and prosperous future for individuals and communities affected by irregular migration.