Pakistan's FIA Imposes Travel Restrictions On First-Time Travelers To 15 Countries, Including Kenya, Over Illegal Immigration Concerns

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has imposed travel restrictions on first-time travelers to 15 countries, including Kenya, due to concerns over illegal immigration.

The FIA’s report, submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC), outlines these restrictions as part of efforts to combat unlawful migration.

The 15 countries affected by the restrictions include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Mauritania.

The FIA’s move follows a petition from a pilgrim who was barred from traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

Pakistan's FIA Imposes Travel Restrictions On First-Time Travelers To 15 Countries, Including Kenya, Over Illegal Immigration Concerns — Pakistan’s FIA Imposes Travel Restrictions On First-Time Travelers To 15 Countries, Including Kenya, Over Illegal Immigration Concerns

According to the FIA, the agency is implementing stringent passenger profiling for flights to these countries.

Specifically, the ban targets travelers, particularly those around 35 years old, from cities like Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Jhelum.

To travel, passengers must provide proof of a legitimate travel purpose, a confirmed hotel booking, and sufficient financial resources.

The FIA also requires that those traveling for Umrah have adequate religious knowledge.

The FIA report highlights recent boat tragedies in Libya, South Greece, and Morocco/Mauritania, involving passengers from Pakistan who entered these countries under the guise of Umrah visit visas.

Many of these individuals were aged between 15 and 40, originating from various Pakistani cities.

Immigration officers are rigorously checking documents and conducting interviews at airports to verify travel intentions and financial preparedness.

Additionally, a review of the Immigration Border Management System (IBMS) revealed widespread misuse of visit, tourist, and student visas, with individuals using transit countries as entry points for unauthorized migration to Europe.

The Risk Analysis Unit identified 15 countries commonly used in this way.

The FIA’s decision was challenged by Muhammad Farhan, a petitioner who was removed from a flight to Saudi Arabia, despite having a valid Umrah visa.

Farhan argued that being offloaded without evidence of illegal intent violated his rights. He has filed a petition against several government bodies, including the FIA.

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