The purpose of this project has been to survey the irregular immigrant communities in Karachi. The project has provided an accurate assessment of the numbers, countries of origin and routes of entry into Pakistan, along with other socio-economic factual data that will be vital to other programs guided towards assisting the irregular migrants, whether in Pakistan or providing assistance to voluntary repatriation to their countries of origin if they are so willing. The results of the project will also serve as a basis to review the delivery of basic social and utility services by the city authorities to the communities studied.
This study represents the first element of a programme of support to the National Alien Registration Authority in its efforts to register irregular persons in Karachi and to issue work permits, an activity that at present is undermined by contradictory estimates of numbers of irregular immigrants, the lack of capacity and tools of the organization, as well as the lack of funds to advertise this service.