Grade 18 or 19 Officer’s Affidavit Now Mandatory for Overseas Employment

Islamabad: The **Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)** has introduced a new rule requiring all Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment to submit an **affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer** before departure.

According to a report by *The Express Tribune*, the affidavit serves as a **guarantee that the traveler will only work at the designated job location** as stated in their **work visa**, and will not attempt to **illegally enter Europe** through other countries.

FIA officials revealed that in just one week, **around 150 passengers** were offloaded from flights at various airports, including Lahore, for failing to provide the required verification. An immigration officer stationed at Lahore Airport said the measure was introduced after several cases emerged where Pakistanis traveled to **Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Thailand** on valid visas but later attempted to **illegally enter Europe via Libya or Baku**.

“Now, only those individuals will be allowed to travel abroad who possess an affidavit verified by a senior government officer,” the officer added.

The FIA confirmed that the **Protectorate of Emigrants** has deployed inspectors at airports to verify documents and assist passengers.

Workers going abroad through the **Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC)** are being cleared smoothly, while those using **private recruitment agencies** face additional scrutiny.

Meanwhile, several travelers have criticized the new regulation, calling it **unfair and burdensome**. They argue that despite having **complete legal documentation and valid work visas**, they are being subjected to unnecessary difficulties. Citizens urged the government to take action against **fraudulent recruiting agencies** instead of penalizing legitimate workers.