Italy allocates 10,500 Job Quota for Pakistani Workers

News Desk 

Islamabad: In a significant breakthrough for overseas employment, Italy has allocated a structured quota of 10,500 jobs for Pakistani workers over the next three years, marking the first time a European country has formally offered Pakistan employment opportunities under an official quota-based system.

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that the agreement represents a major step toward expanding Pakistan’s access to the European labour market through regulated and legal channels.

Under the arrangement, 3,500 Pakistani workers will be deployed to Italy annually, with 1,500 hired under seasonal categories and 2,000 under non-seasonal employment, according to a ministry spokesperson.

Skilled Workforce in Focus

The job opportunities span a wide range of sectors, including shipbreaking, healthcare, agriculture, and technical services. Skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani workers will be employed in professions such as welding, cooking, waiting services, housekeeping, and technical trades. The quota also includes openings in nursing, medical technology, and farming, reflecting Italy’s growing demand for foreign labour across essential industries.

Pakistan–Italy Labor Cooperation

To further enhance bilateral cooperation, the second meeting of the Pakistan–Italy Joint Working Group is scheduled to take place in Islamabad in February 2026, where both sides are expected to review implementation progress and explore the expansion of labour mobility frameworks.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain described the quota allocation as a landmark achievement, saying it opens new and dignified employment avenues for Pakistani workers in Europe.

“This development signals Pakistan’s entry into a structured European labour market and sets a precedent for future agreements with other EU countries,” he said, expressing optimism that more European nations would follow Italy’s lead.

Overseas Employment

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to securing respectable overseas employment opportunities, noting that overseas Pakistanis play a vital role in supporting the national economy through remittances and international representation.

“Overseas Pakistanis act as ambassadors of the country abroad and form the backbone of Pakistan’s economic resilience,” he added.

The agreement is being viewed as a strategic move to reduce irregular migration, strengthen bilateral ties, and position Pakistan as a reliable source of skilled labour for Europe.