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The National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development met on Wednesday to address the rising number of passengers prevented from boarding flights and the role of Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) in assisting Pakistanis abroad. Chaired by Syed Rafiullah, the session focused on operational challenges, policy gaps, and possible reforms.
The Director-General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) briefed members on airport operations and rising off-loadings. He revealed that 66,154 passengers were offloaded this year, almost double last year’s 35,000. The majority, 51,000 passengers, were barred due to questionable travel documents, mainly for work, tourist, or Umrah visas.
Illegal Migration and Global Reputation Concerns
DG FIA, Raja Riffat Mukhtar, stressed that illegal migration and organized begging rings are tarnishing Pakistan’s international reputation. He highlighted that 56,000 beggars were deported from Saudi Arabia, and visa restrictions are increasing in the UAE. Officials also observed illegal migration trends toward Africa and Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Thailand. They defended strict measures as essential to curb human trafficking and safeguard Pakistan’s global standing.
While members acknowledged these enforcement efforts, they emphasized the need for a transparent grievance system. They urged the FIA and Ministry of Interior to implement clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and an airport-visible complaints mechanism for passengers wrongly offloaded.
Technology to Improve Pre-Departure Screening
The Committee also learned about technological upgrades aimed at improving pre-departure checks. A risk-analysis unit has been established, and an “IMMI” mobile application is under development for real-time monitoring at immigration counters. Members stressed the importance of linking FIA systems with the Protectorate/E-Protector platform to verify travelers before they reach airport counters.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis presented an update on the Community Welfare Attaché network. CWAs, appointed under the Emigration Ordinance 1979, handled over 55,000 welfare cases in 2025. Their work included more than 30,000 assisted repatriations, 3,400 death-related interventions, and thousands of prison visits and legal aid cases. Despite these achievements, members noted ongoing challenges, such as passport confiscation, employer resistance, language barriers, and limited access to remote labor camps.
Committee members commended the CWAs’ rapid issuance of emergency travel documents, targeted repatriations, and coordinated legal support. They urged improvements in pre-departure orientation, contract validation, and employer engagement. A dedicated legal aid panel in mission posts was also recommended to expedite judicial remedies.
Next Steps and Institutional Reforms
To strengthen the system, the Committee directed the Ministry to provide detailed station-wise performance reports for all Gulf CWAs, including case summaries, staffing, and resourcing needs. A plan for ten new mission stations was also requested. Immediate reforms were recommended, including public SOPs for offloaded passengers and a full disclosure of CWA performance in the Gulf.
