In a major relief for Pakistanis traveling abroad on work visas, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has clarified that no new conditions or affidavit requirements have been imposed for overseas workers.
The clarification came after FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar briefed Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain during a high-level meeting on Thursday. The DG confirmed that reports about mandatory affidavits signed by Grade 18 or 19 officers were “baseless and misleading.”
Earlier, social media had claimed that workers were being required to sign affidavits pledging not to enter Europe illegally. However, the FIA has now launched an official inquiry into recent incidents of workers being offloaded at Lahore and Karachi airports, assuring that strict action will be taken if any officials are found responsible.
Minister Hussain praised the FIA’s swift response and directed authorities to ensure that no worker with a valid visa or protector certificate is unlawfully stopped at airports.
“Overseas Pakistanis are the backbone of our economy, and their rights must be fully protected,” he said.
The FIA reaffirmed that it remains committed to facilitating lawful travel and protecting migrant workers from any form of harassment or inconvenience at departure points.