FIA snubs social media buzz on overseas travel curbs

Initiates action against websites spreading rumours

RAWALPINDI:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismissed as mere rumours the social-media claims that Pakistanis travelling abroad on work and visit visas are being stopped at airports.

FIA Lahore Zone Director Captain (retd) Ali Zia on Thursday issued a detailed clarification in a video message. According to him, certain elements are using AI-generated videos and images to give the impression that passengers are being off-loaded without reason, and that those going abroad to seek employment are being discouraged.

He said this propaganda has no connection with reality. Passengers holding valid visas and complete travel documents are not stopped nor are hurdles created for them; instead, FIA staff facilitates them and sends them off with respect.

He stated that the real challenge at airports is passengers who fall prey to human smugglers—those who change their route under the pretext of transit or alter their travel goals mid-journey, leading to deportation.

He added that human smuggling has caused not only loss of lives and ransom situations for Pakistani citizens, but has also negatively affected Pakistan's reputation and the value of its passport. Because of this, many countries have tightened visa policies for Pakistanis.

Zia clarified that FIA Immigration only stops those passengers whose documents are incomplete or whose visas and work permits raise doubts—especially in cases where the companies abroad do not actually exist or where human-smuggling concerns arise.

He said off-loading decisions are made only after complete investigation and profiling, so people should not pay attention to rumours. He noted that thousands of Pakistanis travel abroad every day.

"We bid farewell to those departing and welcome those returning," he said.

For complaints or queries, passengers may contact FIA zonal offices or the Deputy Director Immigration directly. He warned everyone not to give money to anyone for immigration clearance, as the sole purpose of this propaganda network is financial gain.

The FIA has also initiated action under the Prevention of Electornic Crime (PECA) Act, 2016 against those involved in spreading fabricated propaganda on social media regarding passengers being off-loaded by immigration.

Initially, more than 15 social-media accounts have been identified as involved in organized, baseless propaganda and promoting provincial discord. It has been learned that FIA has traced the accounts spreading false information and begun proceedings.

According to sources, FIA Immigration at airports across the country has been carrying out strict profiling for the past several months during the clearance of passengers travelling abroad for the first time on work or visit visas.

During this process, those who cannot satisfy immigration officials or whose travel documents are incomplete undergo detailed scrutiny. In a few cases, some such passengers are off-loaded from flights and asked to complete missing documents.

Many passengers, however, suffer heavy financial losses due to lost tickets. This situation has triggered a wave of criticism across various social-media pages targeting the immigration process.

Over the past few months, numerous incidents have been reported of travellers being offloaded from flights at various airports, despite possessing valid travel documents. The actions came after a crack down on migrant smuggling after last year's Greece boat tragedy that claimed several Pakistani lives. Earlier this month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar acknowledged that incidents of people being offloaded had been reported at Lahore and Karachi airports, and that investigations were underway.

The rate of offloaded passengers from certain cities, age groups and specific destinations has seen a surge during the last couple of months. However, the heightened alertness by the immigration staff is irritating for genuine businessmen and tourists.