Facilitation desks at airports to assist passengers
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
has established Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks at all its zonal
offices across Pakistan with immediate effect to assist passengers travelling
abroad.
The initiative is aimed at guiding international
travellers on immigration procedures and clearance requirements to ensure a
smoother and more convenient travel experience. The desks will be available for
in-person assistance and can also be accessed through dedicated helplines and
email services.
The move follows a sharp rise in complaints
about passengers being offloaded at airports. In December, Pakistani
authorities revealed that 66,154 passengers were offloaded from airports in
2025, compared to 35,000 the previous year, despite many holding valid travel
documents.
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FIA
clarifies no passengers with valid documents being stopped at airports
According to the FIA, most offloaded passengers
were questioned over the authenticity of their travel documents, including
work, tourist and Umrah visas. The government says these measures are part of
broader efforts to curb illegal migration and human smuggling.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi formally
announced the launch of the facilitation desks, stating that they would help
passengers better understand immigration requirements and avoid unnecessary
inconvenience. He said details about the service are available at airports,
border points and on the FIA website.
The FIA clarified that passengers are not
offloaded arbitrarily and that only those attempting to travel using illegal or
dubious means are stopped after proper profiling. The agency stressed that
travellers with complete and valid documentation are being facilitated.
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to use artificial intelligence at airports to stop human smuggling
Last
month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also directed authorities to ensure protection
and facilitation for passengers travelling legally. While calling for strict
action against human traffickers and illegal travel, he emphasised that
individuals with valid documents must not face harassment. He further
instructed the Protectorate of Emigrants to improve coordination with the FIA
to better support Pakistanis travelling abroad for lawful employment.
Source:
Pro Pakistani