Pakistan: Decision to issue passports to asylum seekers welcomed
According to human rights advocate denying passport to asylum seekers and those living under asylum violated fundamental rights enshrined in the Pakistani Constitution
Islamabad: Pakistan has reversed a controversial decision to deny passports to asylum seekers and those already living abroad under asylum status. This reversal comes after criticism from human rights advocates and a petition filed in the Supreme Court.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss important issues related to overseas Pakistanis.
Earlier policy blocked passports and IDs
On June 5, 2024, Pakistan's Directorate General of Immigration and Passports stopped issuing passports to Pakistani citizens seeking asylum abroad. The policy also blocked their National Identity Cards, creating significant hardships for these individuals and their families.
Policy challenged in court
Advocate Muhammad Saim challenged the policy in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violated fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 10-A, 15, and 25 of the Pakistan Constitution. The petition claimed the policy lacked justification, offered no review process, and disproportionately impacted asylum seekers and those living under asylum.
Migration surge in Pakistan
Pakistan has seen a significant rise in emigration in recent years due to a struggling economy and political instability. This has led to an increase in dangerous journeys, with a boat capsizing incident in the Mediterranean Sea tragically claiming the lives of nearly 338 Pakistanis.
Pakistan a major source of migrants
With over 6.3 million immigrants in 2020, Pakistan ranks among the top ten sources of immigrants globally. Migration has steadily increased over the past two decades, with a substantial rise in recent years.
Popular destinations include developed nations like the UK, the US, and Canada, alongside emerging economies like China and South Korea.
EU sees Increase in Pakistani asylum seekers
The number of Pakistani asylum seekers in Europe has also risen dramatically. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Pakistan's ranking among nationalities seeking asylum in the EU climbed from ninth in 2016 to seventh in 2023.
Applications for first-time asylum in the EU from Pakistanis saw a significant increase, rising from 14,535 in 2013 to 32,975 in 2022.
Shifting migration landscape
The recent surge in migration is driven by a decline in white-collar worker opportunities and purchasing power, limited job prospects for graduates, and a general erosion of trust in institutions.
Reversal welcomed as positive step
The government's decision to reverse the policy on passport issuance for asylum seekers is seen as a positive step towards addressing the challenges of migration and supporting Pakistani citizens abroad.