ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has raised objections to a recent decision by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) that required attestation from a Grade-18 officer for citizens travelling abroad.
According to ministry officials, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain described the FIA’s move as “unacceptable” and said that no measure would be allowed that could inconvenience Pakistanis seeking employment overseas.
“The minister has made it clear that while preventing human trafficking is a priority, creating unnecessary hurdles for genuine overseas workers cannot be justified,” said the ministry’s spokesperson, Ghulam Mustafa Malik.
He added that the government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ basic rights and ensuring their freedom of movement. “All Pakistanis holding valid Protector Certificates are allowed to travel abroad without any additional attestation or difficulty,” Malik said.
Overseas Pakistanis remain a crucial pillar of the national economy through the remittances they send home. Data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shows that workers’ remittances increased by 8.41 per cent in the first quarter (July–September) of fiscal year 2025–26. On a yearly basis, remittances rose by 11.33 per cent in September, reaching $3.18 billion compared to $2.86 billion in the same month last year.
The ministry’s statement indicates a coordinated government stance to facilitate overseas workers while maintaining necessary checks against illegal migration.
