The European Union (EU) is set to launch a programme in Pakistan to equip local workers with the skills needed for European markets, a senior official announced during the ‘Safe Migration Pathways for Aspiring Pakistani Migrants’ dialogue on Wednesday.
“There is a shortage of skilled workers in European markets. To address this gap, the EU is introducing a skills development program to enhance the technical capabilities of Pakistani labour,” said Philip Oliver Gross, deputy head of the EU delegation in Pakistan.
Reaffirming the EU’s commitment to structured migration partnerships with Pakistan, he emphasized that well-managed migration benefits both migrants and host countries. He acknowledged the challenge of skills mismatch, noting that while Europe faces labor shortages, many Pakistani migrants do not meet the required skill levels.
Gross further highlighted the EU’s Talent Partnership Programme, which aims to align workforce training in Pakistan with European market demands. The EU has allocated €20 million (2021-2027) to support vocational training, migration governance, and reintegration initiatives.