Between October 2023 and October 2024, Pakistani nationals submitted around 28,000 applications for international protection across European Union Plus (EU+) countries. According to the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the monthly figures showed a notable decline, peaking at 3,400 in October 2023 and dropping to 1,900 by October 2024.
Preferred Destinations for Asylum
Italy stood out as the top destination for Pakistani asylum seekers, followed by France, Greece, and Germany. The allure of better opportunities and improved living conditions continues to motivate Pakistanis to seek asylum, despite the risks involved.
Decision Rates and Pending Cases
EU+ countries processed nearly 20,000 first-instance decisions on Pakistani asylum applications during this period. However, only 12% of applicants received refugee status or subsidiary protection. By the end of October 2024, approximately 34,000 cases were still pending, reflecting the complex and often slow nature of asylum processes.
The Dark Side of Migration: Human Trafficking and Tragedies
Illegal human smuggling remains a persistent challenge. A grim reminder of these risks came with the recent Greek boat tragedy, where three vessels capsized, claiming the lives of at least 40 Pakistanis. This echoes last year’s devastating shipwreck near Italy, which resulted in the deaths of 59 migrants, including 28 Pakistanis.
Socio-Economic Drivers of Migration
The EUAA’s “Country Focus on Pakistan” sheds light on the socio-economic factors driving migration, including unemployment, poverty, and political instability. As of April 2024, an estimated 40% of Pakistan’s population was living below the poverty line.
Additionally, external debt and high inflation exacerbate economic fragility, pushing skilled and unskilled workers alike to seek opportunities abroad. Reports indicate that over 90,000 individuals attempted to leave Pakistan illegally via Balochistan’s Chaghi region in the past five years.
Modern Slavery and Bonded Labor
Pakistan ranks among the countries most vulnerable to modern slavery, with an estimated 2.4 million individuals subjected to forced labor or marriage. Bonded labor, deeply rooted in traditional practices like “Peshgi” (loans with exploitative conditions), continues to trap millions in a cycle of poverty and abuse.
Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Adding to the country’s challenges is the large population of Afghan refugees. By September 2024, over three million Afghans resided in Pakistan. The government’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) led to the forced return of over 738,000 Afghans, fostering a hostile environment for refugees.
Political and Security Landscape
Escalating violence in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has compounded Pakistan’s internal challenges. Insurgent groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have intensified their activities, further destabilizing the country.
Looking Ahead
While the road to asylum is fraught with challenges, the resilience of Pakistani migrants reflects their quest for a better life. Addressing the root causes—poverty, political instability, and human trafficking—remains key to reducing migration pressures and improving lives within the country.