FIA Makes Affidavit Mandatory for Pakistanis Travelling Abroad on Work Visas

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has introduced a new travel requirement for Pakistanis departing the country on work visas, making it compulsory to carry an affidavit verified by a senior government officer.

According to the FIA, the step aims to curb illegal migration and human smuggling, particularly involving individuals who travel to the Middle East on employment visas but later attempt to enter Europe through unlawful means.

Affidavit Must e Signed by Grade-18 or Grade-19 Officer

Under the new directive, every person travelling abroad for employment must present an affidavit signed by a Grade-18 or Grade-19 government officer. The document must affirm that the passenger will only work at the specified job location and will not attempt to enter any European country illegally.

Passengers who fail to provide this affidavit are being offloaded at airports, even if they hold valid work visas. According to officials, around 150 travellers have already been stopped from boarding flights at Lahore and other major airports within the first week of enforcement.

Illegal Migration Routes Triggered Crackdown

FIA immigration officials said the decision followed a series of incidents in which workers used legitimate visas to enter Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Thailand, but later tried to reach Europe through countries such as Libya or Baku (Azerbaijan).

An officer stationed at Lahore Airport told The Express Tribune that the FIA could no longer ignore the growing misuse of work visas.

“We have seen passengers vanish in transit countries and later resurface while attempting to cross into Europe illegally. This measure ensures that only genuine workers leave the country,” the officer said.

Protectorate of Emigrants Deployed at Airports

To streamline implementation, the Protectorate of Emigrants has deployed inspectors at key airports to verify affidavits and assist travellers. Their presence is intended to support genuine overseas workers and identify fake or unverified documents.

Those travelling under the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) the official government agency for foreign job placements are being cleared more smoothly because their records are already verified. In contrast, passengers linked to private overseas recruitment agencies are facing longer verification times and occasional offloading until their documents are confirmed.

Mixed Reaction from Travellers and Agencies

While authorities insist the rule is necessary, many workers and agents have criticised it as unfair and burdensome.

Several passengers complained that even after obtaining legitimate employment visas and protector stamps, they were stopped due to minor affidavit issues. Some recruitment agents warned that requiring signatures from senior officers could encourage red tape and delays, especially for people living in rural areas with limited access to government offices.

Labour rights activists argue that the rule, though well-intentioned, might discourage legal overseas employment and create new opportunities for exploitation.

Part of a Wider Crackdown

The new affidavit rule is part of a broader government effort to regulate foreign employment and prevent human trafficking. In recent months, the FIA and the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE) have launched joint campaigns to verify documentation and block illegal recruitment networks.

Earlier this year, the government also imposed travel bans on deported individuals, placed stricter controls on passports, and enhanced background checks for certain visa categories.

Officials say the new affidavit requirement will strengthen Pakistan’s image abroad and protect genuine workers.

“Our goal is not to restrict lawful travel,” an FIA spokesperson said. “We simply want to ensure that those leaving the country do so through legal, verified means and return safely after completing their contracts.”

The policy represents a significant shift in Pakistan’s overseas employment procedures. While it may temporarily inconvenience travellers, the government argues it is a necessary step to combat illegal migration and restore international confidence in Pakistan’s workforce.

Travellers are being advised to obtain the required affidavit before departure to avoid delays or offloading at the airport.

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