A new policy by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has left hundreds of overseas-bound workers stranded at major airports this week. The New FIA Rule now requires every Pakistani travelling abroad for employment to present an official affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or Grade 19 government officer before departure. The unexpected regulation has sparked frustration among travellers, confusion among airline staff, and widespread debate across the country.
Introduction – New FIA Rule Sparks Confusion at Airports
The New FIA Rule caught many passengers by surprise as immigration officers began implementing it without prior public notice. Travellers who had valid work visas, confirmed tickets, and complete employment documents were suddenly told they could not board their flights without the required affidavit.
The affidavit must confirm that the traveller is going abroad for legal employment and will not attempt to enter Europe illegally through another country. According to FIA sources, this step has been introduced to curb human trafficking and illegal migration routes that have become common in recent years.
However, passengers say the sudden implementation has caused chaos and financial loss, with hundreds missing their flights and facing rescheduling fees.
What the New FIA Rule Requires
Under the FIA New Rule Pakistan 2025, all passengers travelling for employment must submit an affidavit verified by a senior government officer before leaving the country.
The document must state:
- The traveller’s employment is genuine and legal.
- The traveller will not use their visa to attempt illegal entry into Europe or any other country.
FIA officials at the Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad airports have been instructed to stop any passenger who does not possess this affidavit, even if their work visa and job offer are valid.
Why FIA Introduced the New Policy
Officials claim the New FIA Rule is a direct response to rising incidents of human smuggling and illegal border crossings by Pakistani nationals.
“We have noticed that some individuals travel legally to countries like the UAE, Bahrain, or Thailand but later attempt to cross into Europe through Libya, Turkey, or Azerbaijan,” said an FIA officer at Lahore Airport.
The FIA’s immigration update report states that more than 150 passengers were offloaded in the past week alone for not meeting the new verification requirement. The agency also revealed that 26 travellers were recently caught trying to enter Europe illegally despite holding valid visas for other countries.
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Airport Chaos and Passenger Reactions
The new rule has led to mass confusion at airports, with many passengers learning about the policy only at the check-in counter. Travellers, especially those bound for Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha, expressed anger over the lack of official announcements.
“I had all my papers ready — work visa, medical, and protector stamp. But they stopped me at the airport because of an affidavit I never heard of,” said Abdul Hameed, a labourer from Sialkot.
“Now my ticket money is wasted, and my employer is waiting abroad.”
At Lahore Airport, several flights were delayed due to large numbers of passengers being held back for additional questioning. Airport staff confirmed that they were also unaware of the sudden rule and had not received formal training or circulars explaining the procedure.
Protectorate of Emigrants Steps In
In response to the public backlash, the Protectorate of Emigrants under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has deployed verification officers at major airports to help travellers complete the required process.
Passengers travelling through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are being cleared faster since their documents are government-verified. However, those using private recruitment agencies are facing longer delays due to stricter document checks.
According to officials, this distinction ensures that genuine overseas workers are not affected while the FIA targets fake job offers and human smuggling rings.
Balancing Security and Opportunity
The New FIA Rule has reignited debate over how Pakistan should balance security enforcement with support for overseas employment. Pakistan relies heavily on foreign remittances, and millions of citizens work abroad, especially in the Gulf region.
Experts argue that while preventing illegal migration is necessary, abrupt enforcement without awareness can harm legitimate travellers and damage Pakistan’s overseas employment image.
“This policy may be well-intentioned, but without public communication and a transition period, it ends up punishing legal workers instead of traffickers,” said a labour rights analyst in Islamabad.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Human rights activists and travel lawyers have also raised questions about the legality of the New FIA Rule. They argue that until the regulation is formally approved by the Ministry of Interior and publicly notified, its implementation could violate existing travel rights.
Several travel associations are preparing to petition for a clear legal framework that outlines the rule’s scope, duration, and verification authority.
Financial Losses for Workers
For many Pakistanis, going abroad for work is a life-changing opportunity — but one that requires huge financial investment. Travellers spend hundreds of thousands of rupees on recruitment, visas, and tickets. Being offloaded without warning not only leads to financial loss but also job cancellations.
Affected passengers say the FIA affidavit requirement should be communicated well in advance through travel agents, airlines, and government websites. Many are demanding that the FIA allow a grace period to help workers meet the new condition without losing their employment.
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FIA Promises Clarity Soon
When contacted, senior FIA officials confirmed that a formal public notice will soon be issued to explain the affidavit process, verification offices, and exceptions (if any).
They emphasized that the rule’s purpose is to protect genuine travellers and crack down on illegal migration mafias who exploit poor job seekers with fake promises.
Until the official clarification is released, passengers are advised to:
- Obtain an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 officer confirming their legal job purpose.
- Carry copies of their work visa, job offer letter, and protector stamp.
- Arrive at the airport early for additional verification.
Conclusion
The New FIA Rule has brought a wave of disruption for Pakistani workers travelling abroad, exposing the tension between national security and economic opportunity. While the FIA insists the measure is vital to curb illegal migration, its sudden enforcement without prior notice has caused widespread frustration.
As the government prepares to clarify the policy, thousands of passengers are still uncertain about when — and how — they will finally be allowed to fly for their jobs overseas. Until then, experts urge authorities to strike a balance that protects both Pakistan’s borders and its hardworking citizens seeking a better future abroad.