Pakistan, Australia resolve to boost cooperation to curb illegal immigration, ministry says

• The issue of illegal immigration has gained attention after arrest of Pakistanis with forged documents in recent years
• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi this month warned of strict action against officials illegally sending Pakistanis abroad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Australia have agreed to boost cooperation to curb illegal immigrations, the Pakistani interior ministry said on Friday, as Islamabad continues to crack down on illegal immigrants.

The statement came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s virtual meeting with his Australian counterpart Tony Burke, during which both ministers discussed matters of mutual interest and cooperation on security.

‎The issue of illegal immigration and its consequences have gained significant attention in Pakistan after the arrest of several Pakistani and foreign nationals at airports with forged documents in recent years.

Naqvi this month warned of strict action against officials involved in illegally sending Pakistani citizens abroad, directing that no passenger shall be allowed to travel without required documents.

“‎Both interior ministers agreed to enhance collaboration to prevent illegal immigration,” the Pakistani interior ministry said after Naqvi’s virtual meeting with his Australian counterpart.

“They also discussed the launch of training programs for police and paramilitary officers, and the possibilities of increased cooperation between Australian agencies and Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).”

During the meeting, Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), discussed the upcoming visit of the Australian cricket team to Pakistan and briefed his Australian counterpart on security arrangements for the team, according to the Pakistani interior ministry.

‎“‎Both interior ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations,” it added.