KARACHI: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday warned of strict action against officials involved in illegally sending Pakistani citizens abroad, amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration.
The issue of illegal immigration and its consequences have gained significant attention in Pakistan after the arrest of several Pakistani and foreign nationals at airports with forged documents in recent years.
On Sunday, Interior Minister Naqvi and Overseas Pakistanis Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain visited Lahore airport to review the immigration process, where they spoke to passengers about their issues.
“No passenger should be allowed to travel without the required documents. Illegal immigration will not be tolerated at all,” Naqvi said. “Strict action will be taken against any FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) or other institutional officials involved.”
In recent years, Pakistan has also cracked down on individuals accused of exploiting visas to solicit money in Saudi Arabia, a practice officials warned was damaging the country’s image and could affect genuine visa-seekers, including religious pilgrims.
“No passenger who may bring disrepute to the country will be allowed to travel [abroad],” Naqvi added.
Overseas Pakistanis Minister Hussain checked the protector stickers on travel documents of passengers. The Pakistani government issues protectors to citizens who have been offered employment abroad. It helps a Pakistani open a bank account and ensures compensation by the government in case of death or disability while working abroad.
“Verification of valid employment documents under the protector must be ensured in all cases,” Hussain directed immigration officials.
