The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has implemented a new rule for Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment, requiring them to present an affidavit signed by a senior government official of Grade 18 or 19, according to The Express Tribune.
This affidavit must confirm that the traveler intends to work only at the declared place of employment and will not attempt illegal entry into Europe.
In just one week, FIA immigration teams have prevented nearly 150 passengers from boarding flights at Lahore and other airports for failing to provide this affidavit.
An FIA immigration official at Lahore Airport explained that the measure was introduced after several cases surfaced where individuals traveled to countries like Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Thailand but later attempted to enter Europe illegally through routes such as Libya or Baku.
To streamline the process, inspectors from the Protectorate of Emigrants have been deployed at airports to verify documents and assist genuine workers. Passengers with Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) clearance are experiencing smooth processing, whereas those linked to private recruitment agencies face longer delays.
