Good News for Overseas Pakistanis: FIA Clarifies No New Conditions for Work Visa Travelers (2025 Update). Good news for all Overseas Pakistanis! The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has officially denied rumors about new conditions for Pakistanis traveling abroad on work visas. Many social media posts recently created confusion about an affidavit requirement or new approval policy.
In this 2025 guide, I, break down what the FIA actually said, what it means for work visa holders, and how Pakistan’s government is supporting overseas workers the backbone of our national economy.
FIA Denies Rumors of New Work Visa Restrictions
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has publicly clarified that no new restrictions or affidavit requirements have been imposed on Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment purposes.
The clarification came after DG FIA Riffat Mukhtar addressed reports circulating online, stating that some travelers were allegedly being forced to submit an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 officer, promising not to enter Europe illegally.
However, the DG confirmed that these reports are entirely false and not based on any official instruction or notification.
“There are no new directives or affidavits required for overseas workers traveling on valid visas. Such rumors only create unnecessary panic,” — DG FIA Riffat Mukhtar
Key Highlights from the FIA Clarification
Here’s a quick overview of the major clarifications made by the Federal Investigation Agency during their official briefing:
| FIA Clarification Point | Details (2025 Update) |
|---|---|
| Affidavit Requirement | No new affidavit or Grade 18/19 officer approval is required for work visa holders. |
| Airport Offloading Incidents | Some offloading cases at Lahore and Karachi airports are under investigation. |
| Government Policy | The government supports overseas Pakistanis and has not imposed any new travel barriers. |
| Accountability Measures | FIA to take strict action against any officer involved in harassment or unlawful offloading. |
| Protection of Workers’ Rights | Minister Salik Hussain ensures smooth travel for all legitimate visa holders. |
This table summarizes exactly what’s confirmed and what’s under review — ensuring that Overseas Pakistanis can travel abroad for work without fear or confusion.
Who Gave the Official Clarification?
The clarification was issued following a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
During this meeting, DG FIA Riffat Mukhtar presented a detailed report on recent offloading incidents and reassured that the agency is fully aligned with the government’s commitment to support Pakistani expatriates.
Minister Hussain directed the FIA to remove unnecessary obstacles for travelers who hold:
- Valid Work Visas
- Protector Certificates issued by the Bureau of Emigration
- All required travel documents
He also emphasized that any officer found harassing or unlawfully offloading passengers would face disciplinary action.
FIA’s Assurance for Overseas Pakistanis
The FIA has made it clear that overseas workers remain a top priority for the government.
The agency reiterated that there is no official change in procedures for work visa verification or clearance at airports.
“Every Pakistani traveling abroad for employment with valid documents should be facilitated, not harassed,” said Minister Salik Hussain.
This move reassures millions of expatriates working across the Middle East, Europe, and other regions who contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign remittances.
How the Rumor Started
In late 2024, several posts went viral on social media claiming that:
- Travelers heading to Europe were being offloaded at airports.
- A new affidavit form was allegedly required.
- Approval from a Grade 18 or 19 officer was mandatory to confirm “no illegal entry attempt.”
However, after verification, the FIA confirmed that these claims were completely baseless.
Officials also mentioned that some offloading cases happened due to documentation errors or incomplete verification, not because of any new policy.
The Importance of This Clarification
This FIA clarification comes as a major relief for thousands of Pakistanis seeking overseas employment.
In recent months, confusion over new visa policies had caused panic among job seekers and travel agents. Many feared their travel could be delayed or denied due to new, unofficial “requirements.”
Now, with this official confirmation, overseas travelers can proceed confidently, knowing that no new restrictions exist.
Government’s Commitment to Overseas Workers
The Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the rights of overseas employees. Under the direction of Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has introduced several reforms aimed at:
- Simplifying protector registration
- Enhancing airport facilitation services
- Providing legal aid for stranded workers
- Improving coordination with host countries
Overseas Pakistanis currently send over $28 billion annually in remittances, a key factor in supporting Pakistan’s economy. Ensuring their smooth travel and legal protection is therefore a national priority.
What to Do If You Face Offloading or Unfair Treatment
If you are a work visa holder and are stopped or offloaded at the airport without valid reason, here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm — Do not argue aggressively; stay polite and cooperative.
- Ask for Written Reason — Request written documentation of why you were stopped.
- Show Complete Documents — Keep your work visa, protector certificate, and passport ready.
- Report to FIA Complaint Cell — Immediately report the incident via:
- FIA Helpline: 111-345-786
- Email: complaint@fia.gov.pk
- Contact the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis — For assistance and record purposes.
Following this procedure helps maintain accountability and ensures no official misuses authority at airports.
FIA’s Crackdown on Misconduct
The FIA also confirmed that they have started an internal inquiry into the reported offloading incidents at Lahore and Karachi airports.
DG FIA stated that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any official found violating the law or harassing passengers.
This move aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize airport systems, increase transparency, and strengthen public trust in the immigration process.
Public Reaction to the FIA’s Clarification
The FIA’s statement has received a positive response from the public and social media communities.
Overseas employment agents, travel consultants, and job seekers expressed relief, thanking the FIA for restoring confidence among travelers.
Social platforms such as X (Twitter) and Facebook saw trending hashtags like:
- #OverseasPakistanis
- #FIAClearification
- #WorkVisa2025
- #NoNewCondition
This online support shows how important transparent communication is for maintaining trust between the government and citizens.
Why This News Matters for Job Seekers
For thousands of job seekers in Pakistan, this announcement is more than just a statement — it’s peace of mind.
The Gulf region, especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, remains a major destination for Pakistani workers. Any rumor about travel restrictions affects recruitment agencies and labor migration programs.
With this FIA clarification, both employers and workers can now move forward without fear of unnecessary documentation or delay.
Expert Opinion
As someone who’s been covering Pakistan employment and travel regulations for the past two years, I’ve seen many similar rumors spread panic among job seekers.
This situation highlights the importance of verifying information through official sources like FIA or the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.
Always rely on verified government statements before making assumptions about your travel or visa requirements.
For reliable updates, check the FIA official portal or the Overseas Pakistanis Ministry website.
FAQs
1. Is there any new rule for Pakistanis traveling on work visas in 2025?
No, the FIA confirmed there are no new rules or affidavits required. Travelers with valid visas and protector certificates can travel freely.
2. What is the FIA’s role at airports for work visa holders?
The FIA handles immigration clearance and ensures that all passengers leaving the country follow legal procedures and have valid documents.
3. What caused confusion among overseas workers recently?
Fake reports on social media claimed that an affidavit signed by a senior officer was required. The FIA has denied these claims.
4. Who protects the rights of overseas Pakistanis?
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPHRD) and the FIA work together to protect and facilitate overseas workers.
5. What steps are being taken against airport harassment?
The FIA has launched inquiries into reported incidents and promised strict disciplinary action against any official found guilty of misconduct.
Conclusion
In 2025, the FIA’s official clarification brings a sigh of relief for millions of Overseas Pakistanis. There are no new conditions or affidavit requirements for work visa travelers. The government, under Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, remains committed to ensuring a smooth and respectful experience for every Pakistani traveling abroad for employment.
