The government of Pakistan has introduced pre-departure checks for the overseas passengers.
Passengers travelling abroad from Pakistan are to undergo additional checks of their travel documents before departure, under a new pre-departure clearance process involving immigration authorities.
The measure is intended to reduce cases in which passengers are stopped or “offloaded” at airports because of problems with their visas or other travel documents.
Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Directorate of Passports and the Protector of Emigrants have been mobilised at airports across the country, following a request from the Overseas Employment Association.
Under the procedure, passengers will have their visas and other relevant documents reviewed by FIA immigration officials before they proceed with their international journey.
Airport authorities say the advance screening is intended to identify documentation issues before passengers reach the point of departure.
The move could also help passengers avoid financial losses associated with being stopped at the airport, including the loss of airfares and other travel expenses.
Officials say the system is particularly relevant to Pakistani workers travelling overseas for employment, who can face significant costs if they are prevented from boarding a flight at the last minute.
The new checks are part of wider efforts to improve the scrutiny of passengers travelling abroad and reduce disputes over the reasons for passengers being stopped at airports.
