Leaders Approve Wide Reform Plan
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain chaired a meeting in Islamabad. During the session, they reviewed the rising number of visa scams and human smuggling cases. As a result, they agreed that the immigration system requires fast and clear reform.
Many Pakistanis attempt to enter Europe and the Middle East through dangerous routes. As a result, thousands face arrest or deportation each year. These incidents hurt the country’s image and also place travellers at serious risk. Therefore, the ministers stressed the need for a stronger and more transparent process.
AI App Aims to Verify Travel Eligibility
The government will soon launch an artificial intelligence–based mobile application. The tool will help travellers and officials check if someone is eligible to travel abroad. Moreover, it will highlight missing, forged, or mismatched documents before a person begins the journey.
Mohsin Naqvi explained that the app will give early warnings, which will help citizens avoid fake agents. He added that authorities will follow a strict zero tolerance policy toward forged visas and illegal travel networks. In addition, he said that deported individuals will not receive new visas unless they meet all legal conditions.
Crackdown Planned Against Fake Visa Networks
The ministers also ordered a nationwide crackdown on groups that issue fake visas. Many of these groups operate in small towns and promise high-paying jobs abroad. However, they often leave travellers trapped, cheated, or stranded.
Officials say that several networks push people onto unsafe land routes through Iran and Turkey. Meanwhile, many victims lose their savings or face arrest. Because of these dangers, the government wants action against anyone involved in smuggling and document fraud.
They also instructed departments to submit final recommendations within seven days. These recommendations will guide the next round of reforms.
Protector and Immigration System to be Modernised
Pakistan’s protector system checks the status of migrant workers before they leave the country. However, many workers do not fully understand the required documents. As a result, they often rely on unregistered agents.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain said the government will modernise the system to make it clear and reliable. Furthermore, he said migrant workers must travel with correct and verifiable documents. He also promised full support from his ministry to ensure the reforms work well.
A more transparent process will help workers avoid scams and reduce legal trouble abroad.
Standard International Driving Licence to Reduce Fraud
The interior minister also announced a new unified international driving licence. The National Police Bureau will issue this document. Moreover, the new system will reduce the misuse of forged licences in foreign job markets.
A central process will also help foreign authorities verify licences quickly and easily. Consequently, Pakistani workers will face fewer delays and fewer identity checks.
Government Seeks to Improve Pakistan’s Image
The ministers said the larger goal behind the reforms is to protect Pakistan’s reputation. Fake documents and illegal travel routes damage trust with foreign partners. Therefore, the government wants a system that shows Pakistan is serious about safe and legal travel.
They believe the new measures will build confidence among foreign governments. They also expect the changes to make travel smoother for genuine workers and tourists.
Ensuring Safe and Legal Travel for Citizens
The government says it wants every citizen to travel abroad through legal and safe channels. Therefore, the new AI app, better oversight, and stronger enforcement form the first phase of a broader plan.
Further reforms will follow in the coming months. In the meantime, authorities will continue strong action against illegal agents and fake documents.
