Pakistan’s Economic Slide Accelerates Illegal Migration Through Sea Routes

Islamabad, Pakistan — Pakistan, one of the largest labor-sending countries in South Asia, faces a growing issue of illegal migration, exacerbated by economic challenges and increasing production costs. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), as of December 2019, over 11 million Pakistanis have sought employment abroad through official channels, with the exact number of illegal migrants remaining unclear.

In June last year, a ship disaster in the Mediterranean Sea highlighted the dangers faced by illegal migrants, especially Pakistani asylum seekers. A boat carrying over 750 migrants sank off the coast of Greece, resulting in one of Europe’s deadliest shipping disasters. Among the victims were at least 300 Pakistani nationals.

Following this tragedy, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) announced plans to form teams in major cities to combat human trafficking. Despite these efforts, illegal migration persists. Two boats sank off the coast of Italy a year later, resulting in the deaths of 12 passengers, including Pakistani immigrants.

Illegal migration has grown at an alarming pace globally, fueled by ongoing wars, humanitarian crises, and climate change-related events, as noted by The Express Tribune. The complex interplay of these factors, along with trafficking networks spanning across borders, poses significant challenges for authorities.

Migration in Pakistan is deeply intertwined with the country’s history and development, according to the European Commission. The internal and external mobility of people, driven by a migratory culture, has significantly altered the cultural makeup of the global Pakistani population.

Greece serves as a significant junction for irregular migration from Pakistan to Europe, as highlighted by a research paper from the European Commission. The Hague-based European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) reported in April that authorities in Romania, Italy, and Austria dismantled a criminal network that smuggled over 500 Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Egyptian migrants to various European Union (EU) Member States. This network, active since January 2021, earned at least EUR 1 million through illegal activities.

The deteriorating economic situation in Pakistan has accelerated both legal and illegal migration, as discussed in an opinion piece in The Express Tribune. Political polarization and social crises since 2021 have left many youths disillusioned about their future, prompting them to seek opportunities abroad.

Long-standing social issues, including high rates of illiteracy, lack of social welfare, and limited employment opportunities, contribute to rising migration. The Covid-19 pandemic and the 2022 superfloods further aggravated the country’s socioeconomic woes, intensifying anxieties among the working-class population.

Exploitation and poor treatment of workers in Pakistan, where they often face harsh conditions and low salaries, compel many to migrate in search of better opportunities. Unfortunately, the challenges faced by Pakistani refugees persist throughout their journey and rarely end upon reaching their destination.

Pakistani refugees are often categorized as economic migrants, making them a lower priority for European authorities compared to those fleeing conflicts. The frequent news of Pakistani nationals losing their lives in the Mediterranean indicates that efforts to curb trafficking alone are insufficient.

The opinion piece suggests that Pakistan’s stakeholders should take comprehensive action to address the issue. Improving awareness in trafficking hotspots and enhancing federal and provincial government efforts beyond mere rhetoric are essential steps towards a sustainable solution.

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