The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has taken notice of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) new condition that required travelers going abroad to submit a guarantee from a Grade-18 officer for their return.

According to reports, the FIA had recently introduced a new condition requiring Pakistanis traveling overseas to provide a guarantee from a Grade-18 government officer, assuring their repatriation.

The move triggered strong backlash from citizens and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, which termed the condition unnecessary and without any legal backing.

Ministry intervenes, calls condition “illegal”

Officials from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development contacted the FIA soon after learning about the new rule. The ministry declared that the condition had “no legal status” and directed its immediate removal.

“The FIA’s condition is illegal and baseless,” ministry sources said, adding that the agency had no authority to impose such a requirement after a traveler’s protector has already been issued.

Ministry sources further stated that if any passenger is offloaded, the FIA will be required to provide a written explanation for the action. Failure to record a valid reason in writing will result in disciplinary action against the concerned officer.

Ministry questions FIA’s authority

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has questioned why the FIA imposed this new rule after travelers had already obtained their protector certificates, which legally authorize their departure.

The ministry emphasized that such measures create unnecessary hurdles for overseas workers and travelers, urging the FIA to facilitate rather than obstruct citizens going abroad for employment.