Stakeholders, Structures, and Narratives: Rethinking Irregular Migration from Pakistan to Europe

Abstract

This paper involves an extensive analysis of the socioeconomic and cultural factors behind irregular migration between Pakistan and European countries based on ten detailed interviews with migration experts and policy makers, including agency officials of United Nations, European Union delegation in Pakistan, and an international investigative journalist. The key results indicate how widespread the power of social media and misinformation are, and it keeps most aspirants unaware of the real dangers and consequences of this very dangerous journey. In this context, migration agents play a significant role during the process who exploit aspirants financially and physically thus contributing to making the current responses of the institutions ineffective in alleviating the socioeconomic factors behind it and dispelling misinformation. The implications of the findings on migration governance are profound, and it is evident that there is a need to organize awareness activities, initiate meaningful policy changes and ensure the effective provision of the reintegration support in the sending countries. The research also supports context-based interventions that go beyond the securitized response and understand the socio-political realities of Pakistan. Thus, it suggests a paradigm shift in the migration governance to development-oriented measures in lieu of punitive control mechanisms, by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The policy recommendations imply the reinforcement of institutional capabilities, promotion of trans-national techno-collaboration and creation of digital counter-narratives.