The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has introduced new rules requiring Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment to obtain an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer verifying their purpose of travel. The move has caused confusion and frustration among job seekers, as hundreds of passengers have reportedly been offloaded at Lahore and other airports despite having valid tickets and employment documents.
Hundreds of passengers have been offloaded at Lahore Airport and other airports across Pakistan by the FIA immigration. Despite holding and complete travel and employment documents, many passengers have been stopped from leaving the country for work.
The Federal Investigation… pic.twitter.com/nql46L0Ntx— The Express Tribune (@etribune) October 29, 2025
According to FIA officials, the rule aims to curb human trafficking, after several individuals who initially left for Gulf countries later attempted to illegally enter Europe through routes like Libya or Baku. In one week alone, around 150 passengers were stopped from departing.
Travellers, however, have condemned the policy as unfair and impractical, arguing that it penalizes legitimate workers. “We’ve spent thousands to secure jobs abroad, why should we be stopped despite complete paperwork?” one passenger said.
To ease the situation, the Protectorate of Emigrants has deployed officers at airports to verify documents and facilitate genuine workers, while OEC-registered travellers are being allowed to proceed without disruption.
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