Illegal migration is one of the most pressing problems the world faces today, fueled by complex socio-economic, political, and environmental uncertainties. In pursuit of improved lives and guaranteed livelihoods undertake these perilous, problematic, and risk prone journeys to attain the elusive dreams of prosperity. A number of cases people leaving there homeland through illegal means have been reported recently, many of whom have died in the process. Factors such as entrenched poverty, widespread unemployment, limited access to education, and political instability compel these desperate measures, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. This past January, a harrowing incident involving illegal migration saw the deaths of roughly 44 Pakistani migrants, who were tortured while attempting to reach Spain via an Atlantic crossing.
The terrible boat accident near Spain, where many people died, is an stark reminder of the fact that how little people wild power care about its citizens, and therefore, pay little perhaps no heed to the anathema illegal migration. It not only takes away the lives of many Pakistanis but also adds bad name to the image of Pakistan. Pakistan therefore, needs to urgently take stricter steps to stop illegal migration from areas in Pakistan where many people try to leave, and we need to create strong and fair rules for people who want to migrate. Before going further it is imperative to
Some of the factors that drive illegal migrations are entrenched poverty, widespread unemployment, limited access to education, political instability, Both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors contribute to illegal migration from Pakistan. Push factors include family and peer pressures lack of knowledge regarding legal visa processes, poor educational facilities, and the availability of smuggler networks. Pull factors include the perceived opportunities for a better living standard, the desire to upgrade social status, and the influence of social media connections showcasing life abroad
Government Response and Legal Framework
In response to increasing illegal immigrations Pakistan has passed multiple laws but they could not be proved effective for examples. Despite the passage of ‘The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act 2018’ in Pakistan, which sought to prevent migrant smuggling, protect victims, and promote international cooperation, the law’s impact is limited. Key obstacles include inadequate resources, insufficient capacity building for law enforcement, and systemic weaknesses within the judicial process. Similarly, to enhance its efforts against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, Pakistan launched the National Action Plan in 2021, providing a crucial coordination platform for all involved parties.
Recommendations
While recent years have seen increased enforcement efforts, illegal migration from Pakistan continues to escalate, signaling a critical failure in current strategies. This surge demands immediate and sustained attention from higher authorities. To effectively address this persistent challenge, it is essential to address the issue on war footing lest there shall be no use of crying over spilt milk.
To effectively combat illegal migration, it is imperative to establish robust mechanisms that address the systemic poverty and unemployment forcing desperate individuals to undertake perilous journeys abroad.
For example: Investment in industries that create sustainable employment, especially in regions with high migration rates like central Punjab. Promote vocational training and skills development programs to enhance employment opportunities, Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate local economies, and Implement targeted poverty reduction programs and social safety nets to improve access to microfinance and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The catastrophic boat incident near Spain, with a high number of deaths Pakistani citizens, demands immediate government action. This includes addressing the causes of illegal migration through stronger laws, safe migration options, better coordination, youth education, and international cooperation to prevent future tragedies.
