The European Union (EU) is launching a new program in Pakistan to enhance the skills of local workers for European job markets. This announcement was made during the ‘Safe Migration Pathways for Aspiring Pakistani Migrants’ dialogue on Wednesday.

Philip Oliver Gross, deputy head of the EU delegation in Pakistan, highlighted the shortage of skilled workers in Europe. "To address this gap, the EU is introducing a skills development program to enhance the technical capabilities of Pakistani labour," he stated.

Reaffirming the EU’s commitment to structured migration partnerships with Pakistan, Gross emphasized the mutual benefits of well-managed migration. He noted the issue of skills mismatch, with many Pakistani migrants not meeting the required skill levels for European markets.

Additionally, Gross mentioned 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.