Social media has been filled with complaints from travelers who say they were stopped despite having valid visas and proper documents.
FIA Implements Attestation Rule for Foreign Travel. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recently introduced a new rule requiring Pakistanis travelling abroad for work to obtain an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer.
The decision has drawn widespread criticism from travellers and civil society.
The affidavit must confirm that the worker will go only to the stated place of employment and will not attempt to enter Europe illegally.
The rule has already affected hundreds of travellers. Earlier this week, FIA immigration teams offloaded nearly 150 passengers from flights at Lahore and other airports for failing to provide the required verification.
Earlier, the FIA had arrested key suspect in Greece boat tragedy. An FIA officer at Lahore Airport said the decision follows several cases where workers travelling to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Thailand later tried to reach Europe via Libya or Baku. “Only those presenting an affidavit verified by a senior government officer will be allowed to travel,” the officer said.
The Protectorate of Emigrants has deployed inspectors at airports to verify documents and help genuine workers. Passengers using the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) generally face no delays, while those using private recruitment agencies must wait for verification.
The new rule faced quick public backlash. Many workers criticized it on social media, calling it unfair and burdensome. One passenger wrote, “I have a valid visa and proper documents, yet I was stopped at the airport.” Another said, “This affidavit requirement adds unnecessary obstacles for hardworking Pakistanis trying to earn abroad.”
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis Stance
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis responded swiftly. Focal person Ghulam Mustafa Malik said Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain called the FIA decision “unacceptable.” He stressed that no measure should create difficulties for overseas Pakistanis. Malik added that the government is serious about protecting citizens’ rights and will not allow unnecessary restrictions on public freedoms.
Following the intervention, the ministry confirmed that all Pakistanis holding a valid Protector Certificate can travel abroad without hindrance. The statement reassured workers that overseas employment would continue smoothly while maintaining safeguards against human trafficking.
Overseas Pakistanis play a vital role in the national economy. The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances from workers abroad rose by 8.41 percent in the first quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
In September alone, remittances increased 11.33 percent year-on-year, reaching $3.183 billion. Experts warned that unnecessary travel hurdles could harm remittances and the livelihoods of thousands of families.
As the Overseas Pakistanis have strongly criticized the move. Many argued that the affidavit requirement is unnecessary and creates obstacles for law-abiding workers trying to travel abroad for employment. Social media has been filled with complaints from travellers who say they were stopped despite having valid visas and proper documents.
Users emphasized the need for policies that protect citizens without adding bureaucratic burdens or delaying legitimate overseas employment.
