FIA introduces new rule for Pakistani work visa travelers

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has made affidavit verification compulsory for all Pakistani citizens traveling abroad on work visas. The new rule aims to stop illegal migration attempts to Europe.

According to The Express Tribune, every traveler must now submit an affidavit confirming they will only work at the location mentioned in their work visa and will not try to enter Europe illegally through other countries.

During the first week of enforcement, the FIA stopped around 150 passengers at major airports, including Lahore, for not having verified affidavits. This action comes after several cases where people went to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Thailand on valid visas but later tried to reach Europe illegally through Libya or Baku.

An FIA immigration officer said that only passengers with a properly signed affidavit can now leave the country for employment. Inspectors from the Protectorate of Emigrants have also been placed at airports to check documents and guide travelers.

Passengers going abroad through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are being cleared quickly, while those using private recruitment agencies face extra verification steps.

Some travelers have called the rule unfair, saying that even with valid visas, they face long delays and extra checks. They have urged the government to take action against fake recruiting agencies instead of creating hurdles for genuine workers.

The new FIA policy is designed to discourage illegal migration and ensure that Pakistani workers travel abroad only through legal and verified employment channels.

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