The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has introduced a new requirement for Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment they must now submit an affidavit verified by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer before departure, according to a report by Pro Pakistani.
Under the new regulation, the affidavit must clearly state that the passenger will only work at the designated place of employment and will not attempt to enter any European country illegally. The measure aims to curb the growing trend of individuals using legal work routes to later cross into Europe through irregular means.
In recent days, FIA immigration teams have reportedly offloaded nearly 150 passengers from flights at Lahore and other major airports for failing to produce the required affidavit.
An FIA immigration officer stationed at Lahore Airport explained that the policy was implemented after multiple cases surfaced in which passengers traveled to destinations such as Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Thailand, only to later attempt to reach Europe via Libya or Baku.
“From now on, only passengers who present an affidavit verified by a senior government officer will be allowed to proceed with their journey,” the officer confirmed.
To ensure proper enforcement, the Protectorate of Emigrants has deployed inspectors at airports to verify documentation and assist legitimate workers. Travelers registered through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are being cleared without delay, while those going through private overseas recruitment agencies are facing additional verification checks before being allowed to board.
However, the decision has sparked criticism among travelers and migrant workers, many of whom consider the new rule unfair and unnecessarily burdensome. They argue that even those with valid visas, contracts, and travel documents are being subjected to extra scrutiny, causing inconvenience and delays.
Despite public frustration, officials maintain that the measure is essential to prevent human trafficking and illegal migration networks, which have increasingly used Gulf and Asian countries as transit routes for unauthorized entry into Europe.
Source: Propakistani.pk
