The Pakistan government has warned citizens to avoid irregular migration in view of the European Union (EU) Digital Border framework.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment said in a statement that all citizens should avoid irregular migration in any situation due to higher risks and stricter enforcement.
EU’s Digital Border system
The bureau said that the European Union has introduced a Digital Border system. This system uses advanced surveillance, data analysis, and coordinated cross border enforcement.
These changes have made traditional irregular routes much harder to use and easier for authorities to detect.
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Pakistan warns those travelling to Europe
The bureau warned that people who attempt such journeys now face a higher risk of being caught, facing legal action, being exploited, and being deported.
It was further stressed that it is important to use safe and legal migration channels is under national and international rules.
The EU has started the gradual rollout of a new electronic border control system called the Entry/Exit System.
This system will record fingerprints and photographs of people from third party countries before they enter 29 European countries.
According to the European Commission, the system aims to identify visa overstayers and reduce illegal migration and identity fraud. Its launch comes as many EU countries demand tighter migration controls.
The system will apply to all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus. It will also cover Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
For future travel, only biometric identity checks will be needed once a person is registered in the system.
The Entry/Exit System is expected to become fully operational on 10 April 2026. From that date, traditional passport stamps will be replaced by electronic records.
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EU releases new visa policy for Schengen visa
Prior to this, the EU unveiled a new visa policy strategy, which proposes to extend the validity of multiple entry Schengen visas beyond the existing five year limit.
Announced in January by the European Commission, this initiative seeks to facilitate travel for frequent tourists and business professionals. This made Europe more accessible while reinforcing border controls and security standards.
