The European Union has acknowledged the difficulties Pakistani citizens face when applying for Schengen visas. EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner described Pakistan’s nearly 50% visa rejection rate as “too much.”
Speaking during his first visit to Pakistan, Brunner said both sides must work to improve the situation. He highlighted the need for stronger application documents and easier access to legal travel opportunities.
EU Acknowledges Visa Appointment Challenges
Brunner recognised that securing visa appointments can be frustrating for Pakistanis who want to travel legally to Europe.
He said the quality of documents submitted by applicants also contributes to refusals. However, he stressed that the European Union must improve its own procedures.
“We have to do a better job there as a European Union,” Brunner said while discussing visa access.
Visa decisions largely remain the responsibility of individual Schengen member states. Nevertheless, the European Commission is working to improve coordination and speed up the process through its visa strategy.
Pakistan and EU Seek Stronger Migration Cooperation
During his visit, Brunner held meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Discussions covered migration, border management, legal mobility and efforts to combat human smuggling.
Brunner said irregular migration from Pakistan to the European Union had fallen by more than 50% through bilateral cooperation. Pakistani officials separately reported a 64% decline over the previous 18 months.
He said reducing irregular migration could create greater opportunities for legal migration.
Warning Against Dangerous Smuggling Routes
The EU commissioner warned young Pakistanis against relying on human smugglers to reach Europe.
He identified routes through Gulf countries, Egypt and Libya towards Italy and Greece as particularly dangerous. He urged young people to pursue education, develop marketable skills and use legal migration channels.
The comments highlight the need for cooperation on both visa access and irregular migration. Improving application procedures and documentation could help address concerns raised by both sides.
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