FIA rejects claims, but travelers’ testimonies tell a different story.

“Protector offices enforcing verbal ban; no written order given to applicants.”

In recent months, hundreds of Pakistani travelers have faced an unexpected shock at airports and Protector of Emigrants’ offices: they are being stopped from flying abroad despite having valid visas, job offers, and complete travel documents.

From Greece, Italy, Poland, and other European countries to Baku, fully documented passengers are being told that “orders from above” forbid officials from protecting or stamping their papers — yet no written order has been issued.

Why Are Travelers Being Stopped?

No one knows, because nothing has been put on paper.

People who spent thousands of euros and dollars to secure work visas say they are suddenly being blocked, with officials refusing to provide any proof or explanation.

Applicants visiting Protector offices repeatedly are told the same line:
“There are instructions not to protect these cases.”

When they ask for written orders, they are told nothing exists.

Officials refuse to show any document, and some applicants say they were even escorted out for questioning the process.

What’s Happening at Airports?

Visa holders say that despite meeting every requirement, FIA staff and Protector offices refuse clearance.

Earlier, restrictions were placed on people traveling for Umrah or Dubai jobs due to alleged trafficking cases.
Now, even those traveling with clean paperwork, legal employment letters, and embassy-approved visas are being blocked.

Even travelers headed to Baku, normally a routine destination, are now included in the stoppage.

FIA Rejects Accusations

The FIA maintains that all these claims are “rumours.”
FIA Lahore Zone Director Capt (Rtd) Ali Zia recently issued a video statement:

• Passengers are not being offloaded without reason.
• AI-generated content is being used to create misleading impressions.

But many passengers insist that their lived experiences prove otherwise.

Real Stories from Real Travelers

“Our fathers lived and died in Greece, yet our visas are blocked.”

Adnan Younus and Mehboob Sabir say their fathers lived in Greece for 20 years, yet even they are being stopped from traveling despite holding fresh visas.

They spent thousands of euros on documentation and embassy fees, but the Protector’s office refuses to stamp their papers.

“I did everything legally. Why stop me?”

Mehboob applied legally to work on a Greek farmhouse.
He received a one-year visa, completed medicals, insurance, and paperwork — yet no clearance.

Younus, granted a visa for a housekeeping job, says officials simply tell him to “ask the Secretary”, claiming they have no authority and are only following instructions.

No clarity. No circular. No written policy.
Just verbal orders that no one will officially acknowledge.

Growing Frustration Amid Unemployment

For many, going abroad is not a luxury, it’s survival.
People face unemployment at home, struggle for months to secure a visa, and borrow money for fees.

Now, with this unannounced verbal ban, their dreams are stuck in limbo.