FIA and PAA Implement New Policy to Prevent Overstaying Abroad
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA) have launched a new policy designed to prevent Pakistani citizens from overstaying illegally in foreign countries. As part of this initiative, visit visa holders will now be required to book return tickets on the same airline.
This measure aims to address the issue of individuals traveling abroad on visit visas without the intention of returning to Pakistan.
Key Requirements of the New Policy:
- Mandatory Return Ticket: Visit visa holders must book a return ticket on the same airline to be permitted to board their flight.
- Same PNR Number: Round-trip tickets must have the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) number.
- Airline Compliance: The FIA and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority have instructed airlines not to issue boarding passes to passengers who do not comply with these requirements.
The policy particularly targets popular travel destinations for Pakistani citizens, including Dubai, Malaysia, Bangkok, and others. Authorities will monitor these routes closely to prevent individuals from remaining illegally in host countries.
The government’s primary goal is to ensure compliance with visa regulations and deter illegal activities abroad. The FIA and PAA have begun notifying airlines about the new policy, which is expected to be strictly enforced.
Travelers are urged to ensure they meet these requirements before booking their flights to avoid complications during check-in or boarding.