A growing number of Pakistanis are turning toward Political Asylum in Europe, with Italy emerging as a top destination. While thousands of citizens travel abroad each year on student and work visas, an increasing portion is now taking this alternate route in search of safety, stability, and better opportunities.
According to the Department of Passports and Immigration, nearly 150,000 Pakistanis have already sought Political Asylum in Italy. Similar applications are being filed across Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and the United States. Experts believe the number is rising every year as more people attempt this move through both legal and illegal channels.
Pakistan’s passport authority has imposed strict restrictions on individuals who apply for Political Asylum. Officials say that once a person surrenders their passport as part of the asylum process, it becomes very difficult to issue a new one. The department has forwarded new rules to the Cabinet Committee to give this restriction legal status, and the formal decision is expected soon.
This sharp rise in asylum seekers has created diplomatic challenges. Several foreign governments have reportedly slowed down or limited visa processing for Pakistani applicants. Delegations from the European Union have also raised their concerns with Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and the Passport Office.
Many Pakistanis view Italy as the most accessible European country. Its lenient immigration policies, easier entry routes, and abundant job opportunities—especially in agriculture—make it a preferred destination. Regions in Punjab have strong community networks in Italy, helping new migrants travel illegally or semi-legally before applying for asylum.
Italy’s recent increase in work permits has further encouraged this trend. Even though appointments at the Italian embassy in Pakistan have become harder to secure, citizens continue to find alternate routes. Italy’s 58-million population relies heavily on migrant labor, and its immigration system remains open year-round, unlike some Scandinavian or Eastern European nations that periodically close their borders.
In other news read more about Pakistan Leads UK Asylum Applications with Over 11,000 Filed in One Year
The rising influx of Pakistanis seeking Political Asylum in Italy reflects a broader migration crisis. Economic uncertainty, security concerns, and the search for better prospects continue to push citizens toward this challenging yet appealing path.
