The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has stepped in after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) introduced a new travel rule. The rule sparked widespread criticism. It required Pakistanis going abroad to submit a guarantee from a Grade-18 government officer before departure.
Reports revealed that the FIA recently started asking travellers to provide a guarantee to ensure their return to Pakistan. The move immediately drew backlash from citizens and officials. Many called the condition unnecessary and without any legal standing.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development quickly intervened. It declared the FIA’s rule illegal and baseless, emphasising that the agency had no authority to impose such a condition once a traveller’s protector certificate had been issued.
The ministry ordered the FIA to remove the requirement immediately. It warned the agency to provide a written explanation whenever it offloads a passenger. If the FIA fails to record a valid reason, authorities will take disciplinary action against the responsible officer.
Officials questioned why the FIA implemented the rule after travellers had already received their protector certificates, which legally authorise departure. The ministry stressed that such actions create unnecessary hurdles for overseas workers and urged the FIA to facilitate, not obstruct, citizens travelling abroad for employment.
The intervention will ease travel for Pakistanis seeking overseas jobs. It enforces legal procedures and removes unnecessary barriers, making the process smoother for citizens travelling abroad for work.