Pareesa Afreen 
Nov 07, 2025
In a relief for Pakistanis travelling abroad on work visas, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has clarified that it has not introduced any new travel conditions or affidavit requirements.
FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar stated that the agency has initiated an inquiry into reports of overseas workers being offloaded at airports in Lahore and Karachi.
The reports were discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
According to the reports, workers were forced to submit an affidavit, signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer, that they would not illegally try to enter Europe. FIA has now confirmed that these reports were untrue and there is no such requirement.
DG Mukhtar informed the meeting that an investigation was already underway to ascertain why some passengers were offloaded.
"If any officials are found compromising or involved, strict action will be taken against them," he said to reiterate the commitment of the agency working for accountability and transparency.
Hussain also stated, "I would like to emphasise that the overseas Pakistanis are vital in strengthening our national economy through remittances."
He then directed the chief of FIA to ensure that no worker with a valid work visa or protection certificate is unnecessarily hampered at any airport.
