According to a report by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), Pakistan now ranks fifth among countries with the highest number of illegal immigrants in Europe. This marks a concerning rise in illegal migration from the country over the past two years.
The report, authored by Zunaira Inam and supported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Denmark and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), sheds light on the reasons behind this trend. Many Pakistanis are leaving the country to escape economic difficulties, political instability, limited educational opportunities, rising inflation, and the threat of terrorism. These challenges have led nearly 40% of Pakistanis to express a desire to migrate, despite the significant dangers involved in illegal journeys.
In 2022, Pakistan was not even in the top 10 countries for illegal migration to Europe. However, by mid-2023, it had climbed to fifth place. The report reveals that by December 2023, there were 8,778 illegal border crossings recorded. In the first half of 2023 alone, around 13,000 Pakistanis reached Europe through illegal means, with 10,000 not returning. Many of these migrants used routes passing through Dubai, Egypt, and Libya.
The report also highlights that urban residents are more likely to want to emigrate than those in rural areas. Approximately 40% of urban Pakistanis want to leave the country, compared to 36% of people living in rural regions.
NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha expressed concern over the persistence of this trend, noting that many migrants are willing to risk their lives to escape the difficult conditions in Pakistan.
