The Italian government has allocated 10,500 employment opportunities specifically for Pakistani nationals interested in working abroad. This announcement was confirmed on Saturday, 27 December, by Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, according to reports from Geo News.
The ministry’s statement highlighted that the majority of these roles will be in shipbreaking, healthcare, and agriculture. In addition, skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani workers will have opportunities in welding, technical services, culinary arts, hospitality, and domestic work. These sectors have been specifically earmarked for Pakistani applicants, reflecting the diverse range of professions in which they can participate.
Significantly, this marks the first time a European country has officially designated a job quota for Pakistani nationals. The Italian government plans to fulfil this allocation over the next three years. Under the recently signed agreement between Pakistan and Italy, 3,500 Pakistanis will be legally admitted each year until the full quota is reached.
Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, warmly welcomed Italy’s initiative. He described the bilateral agreement as a landmark development for Pakistan, emphasising its strategic importance for enhancing Pakistanis’ presence in the European labour market.
“The proposal from the Italian government is highly significant for Pakistanis seeking to strengthen their position in Europe’s employment landscape,” Minister Hussain stated.
To oversee the effective implementation of this agreement, a joint Pakistan–Italy Working Committee will commence operations in February 2026. This committee will coordinate the selection, recruitment, and placement of Pakistani workers in accordance with the terms of the bilateral arrangement.
Employment Allocation by Sector
| Sector | Number of Jobs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shipbreaking | 2,500 | Manual and technical roles |
| Healthcare | 2,000 | Nurses, assistants, and support staff |
| Agriculture | 1,500 | Farm labour and technical roles |
| Welding & Technical Services | 1,500 | Skilled and semi-skilled trades |
| Culinary & Hospitality | 2,000 | Chefs, restaurant staff, and hotel personnel |
| Domestic Work | 1,000 | Household assistants and caregivers |
This agreement reflects a milestone in Pakistan–Italy relations, promising structured and legally regulated employment for thousands of Pakistanis. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to remittance inflows while offering Pakistani workers international exposure and professional growth opportunities.
