The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has intervened after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) introduced a controversial new rule requiring travelers going abroad to submit a guarantee from a Grade-18 government officer. The move sparked strong backlash from citizens and officials, who called the condition unnecessary and without legal basis.
According to reports, the FIA had recently started demanding that Pakistanis traveling overseas provide a guarantee from a Grade-18 officer to ensure their return.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development quickly contacted the FIA, declaring the rule “illegal and baseless.” Ministry officials said the agency had no authority to impose such a requirement once a traveler’s protector certificate had been issued.
The ministry directed the FIA to remove the condition immediately. Officials warned that if any passenger is offloaded, the FIA must provide a written explanation for the action. Failure to record a valid reason will result in disciplinary action against the responsible officer.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis also questioned why the FIA imposed the new rule after travelers had already obtained their protector certificates, which legally authorize their departure.
The ministry stressed that such measures create unnecessary hurdles for overseas workers and travelers, urging the FIA to facilitate, not obstruct, citizens going abroad for employment.
The intervention is expected to ease travel for Pakistanis seeking work and opportunities overseas, ensuring that legal procedures are followed and unnecessary barriers are removed.
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