In late October 2025, media reports said Pakistanis leaving the country on work visas must carry an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer. Hundreds of travellers were reportedly offloaded at airports. The FIA later said no new travel conditions had been imposed. This page explains what was reported, what the FIA said, a sample affidavit format, and the documents work-visa travellers need.
What Was Reported
- Media reports said travellers needed a sworn affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer.
- As reported, the affidavit states that the traveller will work legally in the destination country at the stated job and will not try to reach a third country, such as a country in Europe, illegally.
- Express Tribune reported that around 150 travellers were offloaded in one week, including at Lahore Airport.
What the FIA Said
According to Arab News, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis took notice of workers with valid visas being offloaded at airports and directed the FIA to resolve the issue. The FIA chief, Riffat Mukhtar, said no new travel conditions had been imposed on work-visa holders and denied that affidavits signed by government officers were required. The incidents at Lahore and Karachi airports were said to be under investigation, and a new digital immigration system was announced that would let workers complete pre-departure formalities online. The ministry and the FIA were reported to be preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Pak Observer’s fact check reported that the FIA said no notification requires an affidavit, and that many offloadings were due to incomplete paperwork, such as a missing Protector of Emigrants stamp.
These statements are from late 2025. Rules and airport practice can change, so confirm the latest position with the FIA or the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment before you travel.
Sample Affidavit Format (PDF)
Some travellers reported being asked for an affidavit at airports, so many people prepare one in advance. The sample below is not an official FIA or government form. You can download it here: Sample affidavit for work visa (PDF).
Documents Work-Visa Travellers Need
- A valid passport and work visa
- Your job offer letter or employment contract
- The Protector of Emigrants stamp from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, which is required for work visas
- PakSkills registration and certificate when applying for a protector stamp. Pak Observer reported that from 19 November 2025 no protector is issued without it.
- Your original documents, kept ready in one folder at the airport
Avoid unregistered recruitment agents, and check your agent and visa through official channels such as the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. Planning to work in Kuwait? Read our guide to the Kuwait freelance residency visa 2026. Also check your passport details before travelling, including the new policy allowing married women to keep their father’s name on passports.
What to Do If You Are Stopped at the Airport
- Stay calm and show your complete documents: passport, visa, protector stamp and contract.
- If you are told an affidavit is required, politely ask which written rule or notification requires it.
- Ask to speak to the supervising immigration officer.
- Keep your ticket, boarding pass and the time and place of the incident, in case you need to file a complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an affidavit required for work-visa travellers in Pakistan?
Media reports in late 2025 said it was. The FIA chief said no new travel conditions had been imposed and denied any affidavit requirement. Check the latest position with the FIA before you travel.
Who should sign the affidavit?
Media reports said a Grade 18 or 19 government officer. Because the FIA denied the requirement, there is no official procedure, and the sample on this page is not an official form.
Why were travellers offloaded at airports?
Around 150 travellers were reported offloaded in one week. The FIA said the incidents were under investigation. Pak Observer’s fact check said many cases were due to incomplete paperwork, such as a missing protector stamp.
What is the Protector of Emigrants stamp?
It is a stamp issued through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment that protects the service agreement of a person going abroad on a work visa.
Can I complete pre-departure formalities online?
The FIA chief said a new digital immigration system would allow this. Check the FIA website to see whether it has launched.
