The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has enforced a new rule requiring all Pakistanis travelling abroad for employment to obtain prior verification from a Grade 18 or 19 government officer a move that has left hundreds of jobseekers stranded at airports across the country.
In recent days, the FIA’s immigration staff at Lahore and other major airports have offloaded numerous passengers, even those carrying valid tickets, visas, and employment documents. Many travellers claim they spent hundreds of thousands of rupees arranging their documents and air tickets, only to be stopped from leaving the country.
“I have all the required papers and a valid job offer abroad, yet I was denied permission to travel,” said one frustrated passenger. “We are being treated like criminals despite following all the rules.”
Under the new regulation, workers must now present an affidavit signed by a government officer affirming that they will engage only in legal employment abroad and will not attempt illegal migration to Europe. The FIA says the measure aims to curb human trafficking, after several cases emerged of passengers using work or visit visas to reach Europe illegally via countries like Libya or Baku.
Officials revealed that 26 such individuals were recently caught attempting to enter Europe unlawfully. “Only those with an affidavit guaranteeing their lawful employment will be allowed to travel,” an immigration officer at Lahore Airport explained.
To ease the process, the Protectorate of Emigrants has stationed inspectors at airports to help verify documents. Passengers travelling through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are being cleared without issue, while those connected with private employment agencies must undergo document verification before departure.
Despite these measures, travellers continue to criticise the policy, calling it unfair and impractical. “No one can take responsibility for another person’s actions,” one passenger said, urging authorities to review the rule that has left many genuine workers grounded and financially burdened.
