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Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain has called for safer, orderly and dignified migration pathways based on genuine labour-market demand.
He made the remarks while addressing the Budapest Process Thematic Working Group Meeting on Legal Pathways for Migration in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The minister said Pakistan sent more than 750,000 workers overseas in 2025. He said the figure reflects the growing importance of labour mobility for the country.
Pakistan’s approach focuses on preparing workers before migration. It also aims to protect them during employment, maintain links with overseas Pakistanis and support their reintegration after they return.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain highlighted the National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026 during the meeting.
The policy focuses on safe and regular emigration, skills development and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.
It also covers diaspora engagement and the reintegration of returning migrants.
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The minister said Pakistan wants migration systems to provide workers with better preparation and protection throughout the migration process.
The minister also highlighted the EU-Pakistan Talent Partnership.
The initiative aims to support Pakistani workers seeking employment opportunities in Europe.
It includes pre-departure training, language courses, skills recognition and job matching.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain called for stronger cooperation between governments, employers and training institutions.
He said such cooperation could help address labour shortages and make recruitment and visa procedures more predictable.
Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Susanne Raab also addressed the meeting.
Raab stressed the importance of international cooperation in developing effective legal migration pathways and supporting labour mobility.
She thanked Pakistan for hosting the meeting for the second consecutive year.
Raab said Pakistan’s participation shows its commitment to interregional cooperation on legal migration and labour mobility.
She described the Budapest Process as a longstanding platform for policy dialogue and cooperation on migration.
The platform brings together more than 50 governments and over 15 partner organisations.
Raab said well-designed legal migration opportunities can support economic growth and address labour-market needs.
She also welcomed the participation of private-sector representatives at the meeting.
According to Raab, employers play an important role in developing migration pathways that respond to actual labour-market requirements.
She expressed hope that the two-day meeting would produce practical recommendations and solutions to strengthen cooperation on legal migration and labour mobility.
Representatives and diplomats from Türkiye, Hungary, Italy, the European Union, international organisations and the private sector are attending the two-day meeting.
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