Good News for Pakistanis Traveling Abroad on Work Visas. Pakistani workers finally have a reason to relax. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has officially denied rumors about new affidavit or approval requirements for those traveling abroad on work visas.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar assured that no additional rules have been imposed for overseas employment travelers.
FIA Clears the Confusion
Recently, several media reports claimed that Pakistani workers leaving for Middle Eastern and European countries were being off-loaded at airports or asked to produce a signed affidavit from senior government officers.
The FIA quickly addressed the confusion, calling the reports baseless and misleading.
Official Statement Highlights
- No new affidavit condition has been added for travelers on valid work visas.
- Existing travel rules remain unchanged for overseas job seekers.
- Investigations are underway regarding off-loading incidents at Lahore and Karachi airports.
- Strict action will be taken against any official found guilty of misconduct.
What Triggered the Investigation
According to the FIA’s statement, the inquiry was ordered after complaints surfaced that some travelers—mostly workers with valid job visas—were being off-loaded at airports without clear reasons.
The Director General Riffat Mukhtar confirmed that:
- The reports are being thoroughly investigated.
- Airport surveillance footage and staff records are being reviewed.
- Legal action will follow if any FIA staff are found responsible.
This step aims to restore public confidence and ensure that workers leaving for legitimate overseas jobs face no unnecessary hurdles.
No New Conditions for Work Visa Travelers
The FIA’s clarification is a huge relief for thousands of Pakistanis preparing to travel abroad for employment in Gulf and Asian countries.
| Concern Raised in Media | FIA Clarification |
|---|---|
| Workers must get affidavit from Grade 18 or 19 officer | False – No affidavit needed |
| Extra verification for Gulf workers | Incorrect – Standard checks apply only |
| Work visa holders may be off-loaded randomly | Investigations underway to stop this |
| FIA has introduced new travel policy | False – No new policy announced |
What the Government Says
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain assured that Pakistan highly values its overseas workforce, which contributes billions in remittances every year.
He reaffirmed the government’s stance that no one with valid documents will be stopped from traveling.
The Minister also stated that the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and FIA are working together to:
- Ensure smooth airport clearance for workers.
- Protect migrant rights and stop harassment.
- Strengthen coordination with foreign missions to assist Pakistani workers abroad.
How FIA Supports Overseas Workers
The FIA’s core responsibility includes border control and immigration management. To prevent misuse of visas or trafficking, officers sometimes question travelers for verification.
However, DG Mukhtar emphasized that lawful workers should never face harassment or off-loading without a valid reason.
FIA Ongoing Actions
- Complaint Helpline for off-loaded travelers.
- Internal disciplinary checks against misconduct.
- Data sharing with Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis for transparency.
- Awareness campaigns at airports about passenger rights.
Why This Matters for Pakistani Workers
Pakistan sends over 600,000 workers abroad annually, mostly to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Oman.
False rumors about affidavit requirements had created panic among job seekers and recruiting agencies.
The latest FIA clarification reassures that:
- No new documents are needed for those traveling on valid work visas.
- Standard immigration rules remain the same.
- Airport monitoring will ensure fair treatment for all travelers.
Tips for Pakistani Workers Before Travel
To avoid any last-minute problems at the airport, make sure your paperwork is complete and authentic.
| Required Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months |
| Work Visa & Employment Contract | Issued by your sponsoring company |
| Return Ticket | Required for some visa types |
| CNIC & NADRA Smart Card | Proof of identity |
| Medical Certificate | Approved by Gulf Approved Medical Centers (GAMCA) |
| Protector Stamp | Must be issued by Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) |
Tip: Always arrive early at the airport, keep all documents in one folder, and avoid dealing with unauthorized travel agents.
Role of Overseas Pakistanis Ministry
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development is actively coordinating with the FIA to protect the rights of workers.
Their joint efforts include:
- Resolving airport complaints within 48 hours.
- Launching a “Workers Rights Helpdesk” at major airports.
- Conducting training for immigration staff to treat travelers respectfully.
- Creating a digital portal for overseas complaint tracking.
Impact on Future Work Visa Travel
With the FIA’s clarification, emigration agencies and travel agents expect smoother processing for outgoing workers.
Recruitment offices in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Peshawar have already reported renewed traveler confidence since the announcement.
This move also strengthens Pakistan’s bilateral employment agreements with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, ensuring that genuine job seekers can depart without fear or delay.
What Happens Next
The FIA has launched a comprehensive audit of all recent off-loading cases.
- Any officer found guilty of unjustified off-loading will face disciplinary action.
- Airport supervisors have been instructed to report any violation immediately.
- Future policy decisions will be based on data transparency and accountability.
This proactive approach ensures fair treatment for every traveler, especially those leaving to support their families abroad.
Conclusion
The latest FIA clarification is great news for Pakistanis traveling abroad on work visas.
There are no new affidavit requirements and no additional travel restrictions.
Workers with valid visas can now travel confidently, knowing that the government is actively protecting their rights and ensuring smooth immigration at all airports.
