UK and Pakistan finalize agreement to repatriate illegal migrants

This undated file photo shows the premises of Pakistan's high commission in London, United Kingdom. (Photo courtesy: Wikipedia)

• UK Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft, Pakistani PM’s aide Shehzad Akbar finalized accord
• Agreement will be presented to Pakistan’s cabinet for implementation by the end of this year

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom this week finalized a bilateral agreement for the return of illegal migrants, the British High Commission in Islamabad said on Friday. 
The agreement was finalized during a two-day visit of Permanent Secretary of the UK’s Home Office, Matthew Rycroft, to Islamabad to discuss shared priorities and future cooperation to affirm Pakistan-UK ties. His visit concluded on Thursday. 
The permanent secretary took part in a range of engagements and meetings at the Pakistani Ministry of Interior and associated agencies to discuss challenges affecting operational cooperation and identify areas of mutual interest to expand collaboration. 
“Matthew Rycroft and Adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister on Interior and Accountability Shahzad Akbar finalized negotiations on the UK-Pakistan Readmissions Agreement which will ensure the return of illegal migrants who have no lawful basis to remain in the country,” the British High Commission said in a statement. 
“It was decided that the agreement will be presented to Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet in the coming weeks in order to be implemented by the end of the year, subject to cabinet approval.” 
The ground-breaking accord will enable the sharing of criminal records between the UK and Pakistani authorities to support effective law enforcement cooperation between the two countries, according to the British High Commission. 
The UK is committed to working with Pakistan to develop an effective partnership on migration as part of a deep and mutually beneficial relationship. 
Pakistan and the UK have a long and shared history that is bolstered by the 1.6 million Pakistani diaspora in the UK, which is at the heart of the relationship between the two countries. 
During his visit, Rycroft also spoke about the UK Home Office’s new immigration system that would level the global playing field to those wishing to come to the UK. 
Pakistani students will benefit from new graduate routes. The new system will provide an excellent opportunity for Pakistani students to enter into skilled roles in the UK job market.