Italy announces over 10 Thousand Jobs and 3200 Scholarships for Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Italy has announced plans to welcome 10,500 Pakistani workers over the next three years under a structured labor mobility program aimed at enhancing legal employment pathways and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement was made by Italy's Ambassador to Pakistan, Marilina Armellin, during a ceremony in Islamabad marking Italy’s National Day celebrations. Addressing diplomats, government representatives, and members of the business and academic communities, the ambassador highlighted the growing partnership between Pakistan and Italy across multiple sectors.

According to Ambassador Armellin, the labor mobility initiative will create new opportunities for skilled and qualified Pakistani workers to access the Italian job market through legal channels. She noted that the program reflects Italy’s recognition of the valuable contributions made by the Pakistani community living in the country.

In addition to employment opportunities, Italy has significantly expanded educational cooperation with Pakistan. The ambassador revealed that more than 3,200 scholarships have been awarded to Pakistani students for the 2025-26 academic year, enabling them to pursue higher education and specialized training at Italian institutions.

She said the scholarship program is intended to promote academic exchange, strengthen people-to-people contacts, and provide young Pakistanis with international learning opportunities that can contribute to their professional development.

Discussing regional affairs, Ambassador Armellin praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue and peaceful engagement amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. She reiterated Italy’s support for initiatives that promote stability, mediation, and constructive international cooperation.

The envoy also emphasized Italy’s commitment to improving consular services and facilitating greater interaction between citizens of both countries. She noted that Italy is home to the largest Pakistani diaspora within the European Union, making bilateral cooperation increasingly important.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan and Italy have maintained strong diplomatic ties for nearly eight decades and continue to work together in areas such as trade, education, investment, and cultural exchange.

He expressed confidence that growing engagement between Pakistan and European partners would encourage greater interest from Italian businesses seeking investment and commercial opportunities in Pakistan.

The celebrations concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting event, symbolizing the enduring friendship and expanding partnership between Pakistan and Italy.