ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has introduced a new rule requiring Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment to submit an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer. This affidavit must confirm that the traveler will only work at the specified job location and will not attempt to enter Europe illegally.
Recent reports state that FIA immigration teams have offloaded nearly 150 passengers from flights at airports in Lahore and other cities within a week due to failure to provide the required affidavit.
An FIA officer at Lahore Airport explained that this measure was implemented after several instances where passengers traveling to destinations like Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Thailand later attempted to reach Europe through Libya or Baku.
The new rule stipulates that only those presenting an affidavit verified by a senior government officer will be permitted to travel. The Protectorate of Emigrants has assigned inspectors at airports to verify documents and assist genuine workers. Passengers traveling through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are being cleared quickly, while those linked to private recruitment agencies must wait for verification.
Many travelers have expressed frustration with the new rule, deeming it unfair and burdensome despite having valid work visas and documents.
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