Italy has allocated a special quota for 10,500 Pakistani workers over the next three years and issued more than 3,200 student visas for the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting growing cooperation between the two countries.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP): Italy has allocated a special quota for 10,500 Pakistani workers over the next three years and issued more than 3,200 student visas for the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting growing cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at the Italian National Day and Republic Day, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, the ambassador Marilina Armellin highlighted progress in migration, education, trade, climate action, and cultural ties, describing the relationship as one built on trust and shared goals.
The outgoing Italian ambassador said she had witnessed the relationship between Pakistan and Italy grow steadily during her tenure. She noted that one of the most visible signs of this partnership was the construction of Italy’s new diplomatic compound in Islamabad, which she described as a lasting symbol of cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador said that while work continued on the new embassy headquarters, both nations had also focused on strengthening the substance of their bilateral relationship. Migration, she said, remains a key area of cooperation because Italy hosts the largest Pakistani community within the European Union.
According to the ambassador, both countries have taken steps to improve consular services and simplify procedures for citizens. She also referred to the implementation of the bilateral migration memorandum signed last year, which has already produced results. Under the agreement, Italy has reserved a special quota for 10,500 Pakistani workers who will be allowed to enter the country over the next three years.
The ambassador said Italy has also introduced training programs aimed at preparing prospective migrants before their departure. She described these initiatives as important for both countries, helping workers gain skills while supporting legal migration pathways.
Education has emerged as another growing area of cooperation. The ambassador revealed that Italy processed more than 3,200 visas for Pakistani students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs during the 2025-26 academic year. She said the increasing number of Pakistani students attending Italian universities reflects the expanding educational links between the two nations.
Discussing economic relations, she said there is still significant room for growth. Pakistan’s recent economic developments, she noted, have attracted renewed interest from Italian businesses. This interest was evident during a recent conference of ambassadors held in Milan, where several members of the Italian business community sought meetings to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
She added that important agreements had been signed during the past year, including contracts in the technology and defence sectors, demonstrating growing commercial engagement between the two countries.
The ambassador also highlighted cooperation in agriculture and climate change, describing them as areas where Pakistan’s requirements and Italy’s experience complement each other. She pointed to ongoing projects aimed at improving climate resilience in Sindh and supporting agricultural development.
As a symbolic reminder of these efforts, guests at the event received small bottles of olive oil. The ambassador said the initiative demonstrates how development projects can become sustainable and create opportunities for communities with limited resources.
Cultural and scientific cooperation, she said, has remained an important pillar of the bilateral relationship. During her stay in Pakistan, she visited all UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country and said each visit deepened her appreciation of Pakistan’s history and civilization.
Italy, she added, remains committed to supporting Pakistan at UNESCO and helping promote its cultural heritage on the international stage.
Turning to political relations, the ambassador praised the constructive engagement between the two governments. She specifically acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to support peace initiatives in the Middle East, describing them as important contributions to regional stability.
She noted that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly supported Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. The ambassador also referred to coverage by one of Italy’s major newspapers, which described Pakistan’s role under the Latin headline “Islamabada Caput Mundi,” meaning “Islamabad, Capital of the World.”
The ambassador further noted that 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic. She recalled that Italians voted to establish a republic 80 years ago, and that the historic vote also marked the first time women in Italy were granted the right to vote.
Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, and Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, were among the chief guests during the celebrations of the Italian Republic Day.
An exhibition at the event showcased women who played a role in shaping modern Italy. Guests also viewed artwork by Federica Fontana, an Italian artist who has made Pakistan her home.
Concluding part of her speech in Urdu, the ambassador said she was leaving Pakistan with mixed emotions. She acknowledged that both countries had created high expectations and that much work remained to be done. However, she expressed confidence that the friendship, trust, and cooperation developed over the years would continue to strengthen relations between Pakistan, Italy, and the wider international community.
Reference Link:- https://www.app.com.pk/national/italy-opens-new-doors-for-pakistan-10500-worker-quota-3200-student-visas-stronger-bilateral-cooperation/