Latest Update: New Rule Announced for Pakistanis Leaving Country on Work Visa
The New Rule Announced for Pakistanis Leaving Country on Work Visa, requiring every overseas worker to provide a verified affidavit signed by a Grade-18 or Grade-19 government officer. This step is part of Pakistan’s latest efforts to prevent illegal migration and ensure that only genuine overseas workers travel abroad for employment.
FIA’s New Rule for Pakistanis Leaving on Work Visa
According to The Express Tribune, this FIA new rule for work visa travellers makes it mandatory for passengers to submit an affidavit guaranteeing that they will only work at the approved job location and not attempt to enter any European country illegally.
The new verification system was implemented after authorities found that several passengers travelling to Gulf countries like Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, or Thailand were later trying to enter Europe through illegal routes such as Libya or Baku.
FIA Offloads Passengers Without Verified Affidavit
Within the first week of enforcement, FIA immigration teams at major airports — including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar — have offloaded over 150 passengers for failing to show a verified affidavit.
An FIA officer explained that this new regulation applies to all individuals travelling on work visas, regardless of their destination country.
What the Affidavit for Work Visa Must Include
Every passenger going abroad for employment must now present a properly formatted affidavit that includes the following details:
| Required Information | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Full Name & CNIC | Traveler’s legal name and CNIC number |
| Destination Country | Country where the person will be employed |
| Employer Details | Company name, job title, and address |
| Declaration | Written assurance that the person will work only at the mentioned place and will not attempt to enter another country illegally |
| Verification | Signature and stamp of a Grade-18 or Grade-19 government officer |
This affidavit must be prepared before travel and presented at the immigration counter during verification.
Why the FIA Introduced This Verification System
The new rule for Pakistanis travelling abroad on work visas is part of the government’s crackdown against human smuggling networks that misuse valid work visas to move people illegally to Europe.
In recent years, FIA has recorded several incidents where individuals with legitimate job visas in the Gulf were later caught trying to cross European borders illegally.
Officials say the affidavit will help authorities track legitimate jobholders and discourage those using fake recruitment setups or illegal agents.
Role of the Protectorate of Emigrants in Verification
To assist genuine workers, the Protectorate of Emigrants has deployed inspectors at all major international airports. Their role includes:
- Checking affidavit authenticity before departure.
- Verifying recruitment agency details.
- Helping travellers with document validation.
- Ensuring no fraudulent activity takes place.
According to officials, passengers travelling through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are usually cleared without delay, as their data is already verified. However, passengers going through private recruitment agencies must undergo an additional verification process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Complete FIA Affidavit Verification
Follow this step-by-step method to comply with the new FIA work visa affidavit rule:
Step 1: Prepare your affidavit on legal paper.
Step 2: Mention your full name, CNIC, passport number, destination country, and job details.
Step 3: Write a clear statement declaring that you will not attempt to travel illegally to another country.
Step 4: Visit a Grade-18 or Grade-19 officer in your district (such as an Assistant Commissioner, Education Officer, or Section Officer).
Step 5: Get your affidavit signed, stamped, and verified.
Step 6: Carry both original and photocopies of the affidavit to the airport.
Step 7: Submit the affidavit to Protectorate of Emigrants or FIA verification staff before boarding.
Reaction from Passengers and Travel Agents
The new rule for Pakistanis leaving on work visa 2025 has sparked mixed reactions among passengers. Many believe it creates unnecessary hurdles for genuine workers who already have valid visas and documents.
However, the FIA maintains that this rule is essential to protect Pakistan’s reputation abroad and ensure that its citizens do not fall prey to human traffickers posing as overseas employment agents.
Travel agents have urged the government to digitize the verification process to make it easier for travellers to get affidavits verified online instead of manually visiting officers.
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Benefits of the New Rule for Overseas Workers
Despite criticism, the new regulation offers several long-term benefits for overseas workers and Pakistan’s international image.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevents Illegal Immigration | Stops misuse of work visas for illegal entry into Europe |
| Protects Genuine Workers | Ensures legitimate job seekers face no delays or fraud |
| Enhances National Security | Allows authorities to track and verify all work visa holders |
| Boosts International Trust | Builds Pakistan’s credibility in foreign employment markets |
| Discourages Human Smuggling | Makes it harder for traffickers to exploit poor job seekers |
FIA’s Official Clarification on the New Rule
An FIA official at Lahore Airport said:
“Only those passengers presenting an affidavit verified by a Grade-18 or Grade-19 government officer will be allowed to travel abroad for employment. The measure is not meant to trouble genuine travellers but to prevent misuse of work visas.”
The FIA confirmed that no one will be exempted, and strict action will be taken against those using fake affidavits or trying to bypass the process.
Important Note for OEC Applicants
Travellers who applied through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) do not face delays, as OEC maintains direct coordination with the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).
Therefore, it is highly recommended that all overseas job seekers apply through official OEC channels instead of unregistered private agents.
Legal Consequences for Violating the Rule
Passengers found violating the FIA affidavit requirement for work visa 2025 may face serious consequences such as:
- Immediate offloading from the flight.
- Blacklisting from future travel.
- Legal action under the Immigration Act.
- Fines or imprisonment if fraudulent documents are detected.
The FIA has urged the public to avoid fake agents and consult only licensed recruitment offices.
Key Recommendations for Pakistanis Travelling on Work Visas
- Always apply through OEC or registered agencies.
- Prepare your affidavit well before travel.
- Get it verified by a senior government officer (Grade 18–19).
- Keep all documents — passport, CNIC, visa, contract, and affidavit — ready for inspection.
- Arrive 4–5 hours before flight time to complete verification easily.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Rule for Pakistanis Leaving Country on Work Visa:
1. What is the new FIA rule for work visa travellers?
All Pakistani citizens travelling abroad on work visas must carry an affidavit signed by a Grade-18 or 19 officer.
2. Who can verify the affidavit?
A serving Grade-18 or 19 government officer such as a Section Officer, Deputy Director, or Assistant Commissioner.
3. What if I travel without the affidavit?
You will be offloaded at the airport and not allowed to travel.
4. Is this rule for all countries?
Yes, the rule applies to all foreign destinations, especially Gulf and Asian countries.
5. Are OEC passengers exempted?
Yes, because OEC verifies their documents in advance.
6. How can I get my affidavit verified?
Visit your local Protectorate of Emigrants Office or government department for attestation.
7. How many people have been affected so far?
Around 150 passengers have been offloaded in just one week of the rule’s enforcement.
8. Is this a temporary decision?
No, the FIA has not announced any expiry date for this rule — it remains in effect.
Conclusion – New Rule Announced for Pakistanis Leaving Country on Work Visa
The new rule for Pakistanis leaving the country on work visa marks a major change in Pakistan’s immigration and overseas employment process. By making Grade-18 officer verification compulsory, the FIA aims to stop illegal immigration and safeguard genuine overseas workers.
While the rule adds an extra verification step, it promotes transparency, accountability, and safety for Pakistani citizens travelling abroad. Those planning to work overseas are advised to prepare their affidavits early, verify them through the right officials, and cooperate with airport authorities to ensure a smooth travel experience.
