Pakistan Ranked Fifth Highest in Illegal Migration to Europe

On June 14, 2023, as reported by European Times, a tragic incident occurred when a 30-meter-long fishing boat capsized and sank about 50 miles (80 km) from the southern coastal town of Pylos, resulting in the loss of nearly 350 Pakistani lives.

Migration patterns to, from, and within Pakistan are complex, involving both forced and voluntary movements. With a human development index of 0.562, Pakistan ranks 150th out of 189 countries assessed by UNDP.

According to the IOM – NCHR report, many Pakistanis wish to leave the country, citing economic challenges, political instability, unemployment, inflation, terrorism, and limited educational opportunities. The report noted that Pakistan was not among the top 10 countries for illegal migration to Europe in 2022 but rose to fifth place by mid-2023.

By December 2023, 8,778 Pakistanis had crossed into Europe illegally, with most traveling through routes involving Dubai, Egypt, and Libya. During the first half of 2023, around 13,000 Pakistanis reached Europe through these routes, with 10,000 not returning. Migration trends were higher in urban areas compared to rural ones.

The report highlighted a significant increase in illegal migration over the past two years, despite the associated risks. NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha noted the growing trend and the serious dangers on illegal routes.

Many Pakistanis migrate overseas, especially to the Gulf states and Europe, for low-skilled jobs, though some fall victim to labor trafficking through false job offers. Migration has increased due to population growth, economic challenges, and rising unemployment, pushing many, especially the youth, to seek opportunities abroad, making them vulnerable to human trafficking.

There have also been reports of human smuggling routes from Pakistan to the U.S. In October 2021, the U.S. government announced rewards for information leading to the disruption of a Pakistani-based human smuggling network. This network facilitated travel from Pakistan through dangerous routes in South and Central America and provided false documents for travel.

Human smuggling routes to the EU have also been reported. Spanish authorities uncovered a smuggling network in November 2021 that brought Pakistani migrants into the EU via land routes through the Balkans.

Pakistan lacks a comprehensive policy document covering all forms of migration and linking migration with development. It has not signed key international conventions on migration and refugee status.

By 2023, 273,331 Pakistanis were deported from European countries, according to Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency.