2 min read
The Pakistan federal government has decided to crackdown on illegal travel and visa fraud. In a high-level meeting held today, authorities ordered strict action against individuals using fake documents and the “agent mafia” facilitating them.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain presided over the meeting. To combat these issues technologically, the government is introducing a new AI-based app.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the government is launching an AI-based app as a pilot project. The primary goal is to reduce illegal travel.
This new system will assist authorities in determining who is truly eligible to travel. Naqvi emphasised that there will be zero tolerance for fraudulent visas or the agent networks that support them. This technology aims to distinguish clearly between legitimate travellers and those attempting to travel illegally.
Officials agreed to streamline the current system. Consequently, changes will be made to the immigration process to make travel easier for passengers. Furthermore, the government aims to make the procedure for issuing “protector” status fully foolproof.
The government is adopting a hard stance on offenders. Mohsin Naqvi stated that individuals deported back to Pakistan will have their passports revoked. Additionally, measures will be taken to prevent these individuals from receiving visas in the future.
Naqvi noted that people going abroad through illegal routes damage Pakistan’s reputation. Therefore, these reforms aim to facilitate law-abiding citizens of Pakistan while improving the country’s global standing.
Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain added that workers travelling on labour visas must carry genuine, verifiable documents. The ministries have requested final proposals regarding these changes within a week.
