ICMPD Strengthens Safe Migration Through Global Expertise and Local Action
Pakistan, ICMPD Launch FJA-PAK to Combat Online Job Scams and Human Trafficking. A high-level project launch event was held today in Islamabad to officially launch the project “Preventing Fraudulent Job Advertisements and Cyber Activity as a Facilitator of Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Human Beings (FJA-PAK)”, a joint initiative funded by the Government of Norway and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
The project aims to strengthen collaboration between the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), the Federal Investigation Agency and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) through strengthening of referral mechanisms, improving the capacity of key agencies to counter fraudulent online job advertisements and cyber-enabled trafficking of humans and smuggling of migrants as well as raise public awareness to help prevent their exploitation. It supports the Government of Pakistan’s priorities to promote safe, legal and regular migration while combat trafficking and smuggling of migrants, an urgency heightened by recent tragic boat incidents involving Pakistani migrants attempting irregular journeys abroad.
The event participants included high-level officials from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Ministry of Interior, Federal Investigation Agency, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Pakistan Cybercrime Emergency Response Team (PKCERT), National Police Bureau and representatives from international organisations and the diplomatic community.
Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Federal Secretary, MOPHRD highlighted the Ministry’s commitment and support to the initiative and mentioned that the Government of Pakistan, through the Ministry and its line departments like the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), is steadfast in addressing these challenges. Our vision, aligned with the Prime Minister’s directives on ‘Safe Migration’ and the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, prioritises the protection of our citizens and the dignity of labor migration. The FJA-PAK Project complements these efforts by focusing on cyber-enabled fraud, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and raising public awareness.
H.E. Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, underscored Norway’s commitment to this partnership. “Strengthening cooperation to combat irregular migration is a high priority for my government, and we are pleased to support this important initiative.”
Mr. Adnan Arshad Aulakh, Joint Secretary (Political/FIA), MOI, emphasised the enhanced role of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Ministry’s oversight, noting that “with greater access to cyber intelligence, we are better positioned to combat trafficking in digital spaces. The FJA-PAK project is not just timely—it is essential.”
Mr. Muhammad Tayyab, Director General of BEOE, highlighted that “the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) has launched the “Aware Migrant, Safe Migrant” campaign to educate jobseekers on identifying scams through the official government portal. Additionally, a key component of our strategy is the ongoing collaboration with ICMPD through Migrant Resource Centers (MRCs). In the light of this, the FJA-PAK Project is a timely and vital response to these challenges, aligning perfectly with BEOE’s mission and ongoing efforts to safeguard Pakistani workers and promote their welfare overseas.”
OEC Managing Director Mr. Naseer Khan Kashani reaffirmed the Corporation’s support. “OEC remains committed to safe, legal, and dignified migration, and we will work with all partners to ensure this vision becomes a reality.”
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation with 21 Member States, working in over 90 countries to support the development of safer and more effective migration policies and programmes. It takes a holistic approach by structurally linking policy, research, cooperation, community outreach, and capacity development. ICMPD has been working in Pakistan since 2014 and plays a key role in delivering technical assistance and capacity-building projects in areas such as migration management and governance, labour migration, sustainable reintegration, border management, trafficking in human beings, smuggling of migrants, child protection and awareness raising.
The session concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Fawad Haider, Head of Office, ICMPD Pakistan emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the multifaceted nature of trafficking and exploitation. The event was followed by a group photo and networking lunch.
The FJA-PAK project marks a critical step in Pakistan’s efforts to protect its citizens from transnational organised crime and ensure ethical recruitment and migration practices.
