Between October 2023 and October 2024, 28,000 visa applications were submitted by Pakistani nationals seeking asylum in European Union Plus (EU+) countries, with Italy standing out as their top choice, according to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). However, the number of asylum applications from Pakistan witnessed a significant decline during this period.
Sharp Decline in Applications
In October 2023, 34,000 applications were submitted by Pakistani nationals. However, by October 2024, this number had sharply dropped to just 1,900.
Preferred Destinations
Italy emerged as the most sought-after destination for Pakistani asylum seekers, followed by France, Greece, and Germany, as highlighted in the EUAA’s “Country Focus in Pakistan Report.”
Low Approval Rates
The report revealed that of approximately 20,000 asylum applications decided at the first instance, only 12% of Pakistani applicants were granted refugee status or subsidiary protection. A staggering 34,000 applications remain undecided.
Underlying Factors
The report delved into Pakistan’s political and social context, shedding light on reasons driving emigration. Key factors include:
- Forced Labour and Marriage: An estimated 2.4 million Pakistanis are subjected to forced labour or forced marriage.
- Modern Slavery Vulnerability: Pakistan ranks high among countries vulnerable to modern slavery despite efforts to combat these issues.
- Human Trafficking: While laws exist, Pakistan has failed to meet targets for eliminating human trafficking in 2023, hindered by a fragile democracy and weak accountability mechanisms.
The report also highlighted the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan and detailed the country’s struggle against human trafficking, including illicit organ trade.
Moving Forward
While Pakistan continues to face challenges in addressing the root causes of migration, improved governance and strengthened efforts against human trafficking remain critical for addressing this complex issue.
