FIA Confirms No New Affidavit Required for Pakistanis Traveling Abroad on Work Visas

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has clarified that no new affidavit or additional conditions have been imposed on Pakistanis traveling abroad on work visas, providing reassurance to overseas job seekers. The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain. The FIA confirmed that recent reports suggesting a new affidavit requirement—purportedly to be signed by a Grade 18 or 19 officer—were false and lacked any official basis.

FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar acknowledged that a few overseas workers had been offloaded at Lahore and Karachi airports. He stated that an inquiry has been initiated into these incidents and assured that strict action would be taken against any officials found responsible for wrongful offloading.

Minister Hussain emphasized the critical role of overseas Pakistanis in supporting the country’s economy through remittances and highlighted that they deserve fair and dignified treatment. He instructed the FIA to ensure that travelers holding valid work visas or protector certificates are not stopped unnecessarily at airports.

The announcement has been welcomed by overseas workers and travel agents, easing concerns for those preparing to travel abroad for employment. The FIA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and fairness, assuring the public that genuine travelers will continue to receive full facilitation at all Pakistani airports.