FIA Makes Officer Verification Mandatory for Pakistanis Travelling Abroad for work

People in Pakistan planning to travel abroad for employment now face a new rule. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has made it compulsory to get FIA travel verification in Pakistan from a government officer. This decision affects passengers departing from airports across the country.
Hundreds of travellers have already been offloaded at Lahore and other major airports. Many had valid tickets and complete documents but were still stopped from boarding. They were told to bring an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer confirming that they are travelling for legal work.

New Verification Rule for Job Seekers

The FIA introduced this step after several cases of illegal migration. Some workers reportedly travelled to countries like Dubai, Bahrain, or Thailand and later tried to enter Europe illegally through Libya or Baku. To control this, the FIA now requires travellers to submit an affidavit guaranteeing their legal employment abroad.
Immigration officials say only passengers with verified affidavits can now leave Pakistan. Those without them are being stopped until they meet the new conditions.

Mixed Reactions from Travellers

Travellers have criticised the rule, calling it unfair and stressful. Many argue it is unreasonable to expect government officers to take responsibility for others’ actions. Despite that, officials believe the step will reduce illegal migration.
The Protectorate of Emigrants has placed inspectors at airports to speed up verification and help genuine workers. Passengers travelling through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are being cleared more easily. However, those using private agencies must first get official verification.
This new FIA travel verification Pakistan policy aims to ensure safe, legal, and documented employment overseas.