The project RAPAK helps to secure Pakistan’s borders

In 2024, The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has prevented approximately 27,000 potential irregular migrants to leave Pakistan. The reduction in irregular migration from Pakistan was also matched by a significant drop in the number of asylum seekers and irregular arrivals into the European Union from Pakistan in 2024, as compared to 2023.

While multiple factors contribute to irregular migration trends, these positive outcomes were the result of several factors, including the implementation of the EU-funded project Support to Federal Investigation Agency’s capacities for enhanced risk management – Pilot project RAPAK. RAPAK project played a key role in strengthening Pakistan’s border management by establishing the FIA’s first-ever Risk Analysis Unit. This Unit has been instrumental in improving border security and reducing irregular migration.

The project helps to collect information from the local offices, border crossing points, and open sources on the situation at and beyond Pakistan’s borders. The collected data is then analysed with the aim to provide overview of the situation Pakistan’s borders. This analysis provides policy makers, managers and operational officers with guidance and recommendations to address identified threats and risks.

RAPAK project helped to establish the new Risk Analysis Unit with the latest IT tools and skilled analysts. They received specialised training to operate the Risk Analysis Unit and develop a risk matrix, which helps field units identify and profile suspicious passengers.

In addition, the project adopted a “Training of Trainers” programme. A pool of master trainers was created to pass on knowledge and skills to future FIA staff. These trainers are now champions of Risk Analysis within the organisation, raising awareness about its importance.

The project set up Risk Analysis focal points and workstations across 15 Border Crossing Points. This ensures that critical information is shared quickly and effectively.

Through its Migration Partnership Facility, the EU funds initiatives like the RAPAK project which help prevent dangerous migration attempts, enhance the safety and security of migrants and strengthen the capacities of partner countries to manage migration effectively.

Duration: January 2023 – June 2024

Countries: Austria, Pakistan

Budget: EUR 939 690 (95% from ISF Borders and Visa)

Fund: ISF Borders and Visa, Ministry of Interior of Austria in the framework of the Migration Partnership Facility

Policy: Migration, Border Management

Project information: RAPAK (Risk Analysis Pakistan)