Islamabad, March 2 – Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has imposed travel restrictions on first-time travelers to 15 countries, including Kenya, citing concerns over illegal immigration. The measure aims to curb unlawful migration and human trafficking, particularly among young travelers.
Countries Affected and Travel Requirements
The restrictions apply to travelers heading to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Kenya. The FIA now mandates stricter passenger profiling for flights to these destinations, particularly targeting individuals around 35 years old from cities such as Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Jhelum.
To be allowed to travel, first-time passengers must provide:
Proof of a legitimate travel purpose
A confirmed hotel booking
Sufficient financial resources
Basic religious knowledge (for Umrah travelers)
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Concerns Over Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking
The FIA’s report, submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC), highlights recent boat tragedies in Libya, Greece, and Morocco involving Pakistani nationals who entered these countries on Umrah visit visas but attempted illegal migration. Many of these individuals were aged between 15 and 40.
A review of Pakistan’s Immigration Border Management System (IBMS) uncovered widespread visa misuse, where transit countries were used as entry points for unauthorized migration to Europe. The FIA’s Risk Analysis Unit identified the 15 countries most frequently exploited for this purpose.
Legal Challenge to the Restrictions
The decision is now facing a legal challenge from Muhammad Farhan, a Pakistani citizen who was offloaded from a flight to Saudi Arabia despite holding a valid Umrah visa. He argues that denying travel without proof of illegal intent violates his rights and has filed a petition against multiple government agencies, including the FIA.
As immigration authorities intensify document verification and interview procedures at airports, the FIA insists that these measures are necessary to prevent human trafficking while ensuring legitimate travelers can still make their journeys.
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