A sudden enforcement of a new Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) rule has left hundreds of Pakistani workers unable to travel abroad for employment, triggering widespread frustration and delays at major airports. The rule, which has not yet been officially notified, requires travellers leaving the country for work to present an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer before departure. The affidavit must affirm that the traveller intends to work legally in the destination country and will not attempt to enter Europe through illegal channels.
The unexpected requirement has caused confusion and chaos at airports, particularly in Lahore, where scores of passengers with valid visas, job offers, and complete documentation were stopped from boarding their flights. According to reports from mainstream media, immigration officers have offloaded nearly 150 passengers in just one week under the new directive. One official at Lahore Airport confirmed that several individuals had previously attempted to enter Europe illegally via countries such as Libya and Baku despite initially travelling on legitimate work or visit visas.
Authorities argue that the rule is part of a broader crackdown on human trafficking and illegal migration networks. FIA officials stated that many cases in recent years involved individuals who initially went to Gulf or Asian countries for employment but later sought to cross into Europe unlawfully. The new affidavit system, they claim, is designed to ensure greater accountability and discourage fraudulent travel intentions.
Passengers, however, have expressed anger and disappointment over the abrupt enforcement. Many claim they were unaware of the new rule and accuse authorities of poor communication and lack of coordination with travel and recruitment agencies. “We have spent months arranging our documents and paying for tickets. Stopping us without prior notice is unfair and causes serious financial and emotional distress,” said one passenger stranded at Lahore Airport.
To streamline the verification process, the Protectorate of Emigrants has deployed inspectors at key airports to assist departing workers. Those registered through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) system are being cleared swiftly, while passengers using private recruiters face additional scrutiny. The situation underscores the growing tension between the government’s efforts to curb illegal migration and the need to safeguard the rights and mobility of Pakistan’s legitimate overseas workforce.
