I am sure for many Pakistani when they are planning abroad, its more than just a trip - it’s a dream, a livelihood or a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yet, thousands of people treat unfairly at airport: being offloaded even when holding a valid visa, confirmed tickets and all the required travel documents.

The increased in offloading cases raise concern, fear and countless stories of travellers being stopped without understanding what went wrong.

This in-depth guide, we’ll highlight down why Pakistani travelers are still being offloaded despite having valid visas, the real reasons behind offloading, what the FIA is checking and most importantly how you can avoid being offloaded.

Offloading Issue in Pakistan: Understanding Why It Happens

The offloading issue in Pakistan has become a major discussion point, especially after repeated reports of passengers being stopped despite having proper documents. Many travellers feel they are being unfairly targeted, while the authorities provide a different perspective.

Why Has Offloading Increased?

According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), offloading has increased after several high-profile human smuggling incidents — especially the tragic Greece boat disaster in 2023, which left scores of Pakistani migrants dead.

Following this, FIA intensified screening to:

• Identify possible human smuggling routes

• Prevent people from being trafficked using fake or suspicious visas

• Stop travellers being sent abroad by illegal agents (“dunkies”)

An Anecdote from a Real Traveler

A 25-year-old from Hyderabad shared with BBC Urdu that he had a valid Saudi work visa, yet he was still offloaded. Another man from Jhang said officials questioned why he booked a flight from Karachi instead of Lahore.

These experiences highlight a deeper issue: sometimes travellers are prepared, but the system sees something suspicious — even if it’s unintentional.

FIA Offloading: What the Immigration Officers Are Really Checking

The FIA repeatedly states that passengers are only offloaded when:

1. Documents are not valid

2. Information appears suspicious

3. Visas, job offers, or companies cannot be verified

4. Agents are involved in arranging the trip

5. Travel patterns indicate risk of human smuggling

In a public video statement, FIA Lahore Zone Director Capt. (R) Muhammad Ali Zia clarified that misinformation and AI-generated videos are creating panic. He insisted that people with genuine travel purposes are never stopped.

What FIA Checks at the Immigration Counter

To make this easier, here’s a clear step-by-step view of what usually happens:

Step-by-Step: What Happens During an FIA Immigration Check

1. Document Verification
Officers verify your:

• Passport validity

• Visa authenticity

• Return ticket

• Accommodation details

• Employer details (for work visas)

2. Cross-Checking Your Purpose of Travel
You may be asked:

• Why are you travelling?

• Where will you stay?

• Who is sponsoring you?

• What do you do for work?

3. Suspicion of Human Smuggling
If your travel route or documents resemble known smuggling patterns, you can be stopped.

4. Profile Screening
Age, profession, financial history, and travel experience are assessed.

5. Company/Employer Verification
For countries like UAE, Oman, or Saudi Arabia, officers may check if the company issuing your visa actually exists.

6. If Suspicious…
You may be asked to move aside for further questioning.
If suspicions remain, offloading occurs.

Reason of Offloading Pakistani Traveller: The Real Causes

Many Pakistani travellers assume that a visa is enough. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Below are the real reasons why offloading happens, explained in simple language.

1. Invalid or Unverified Documents

Even if you believe everything is correct, the FIA may find:

• Typo errors on visas

• Fake job contracts

• Companies that don’t exist

• Travel agents using questionable routes

• Misleading or mismatched information

2. Suspicious Travel Patterns

For example:

• A first-time traveller going directly to Europe or Latin America

• Someone flying from Karachi when they live in Lahore

• A traveller with no job history but holding an expensive visa

• A person travelling with “distant relatives” who are actually smugglers

Authorities say that many people unknowingly fall victim to human traffickers who coach them to "say this" or "avoid saying that". Immigration officers can easily recognize these behavior patterns.

3. Incomplete Supporting Documents

Even when visas are valid, missing one of the following can lead to offloading:

• Return ticket

• Hotel booking

• Company invitation letter

• Employer NOC

• Bank statement

• Travel insurance

• Proof of funds

The more you carry, the safer you are.

4. Previous Immigration Record Issues

If you were previously:

• Offloaded

• Deported

• Refused entry

• Detained abroad

• Unable to justify your purpose of travel

...the FIA will consider you “high risk”.

5. Involvement (Knowingly or Unknowingly) with Human Smugglers

FIA says human smugglers disguise themselves as family members, often using:

• Umrah groups

• “Sister or mother as a companion"

• Fake sponsor letters

• Transit trick routes

This increases suspicion during screening.

How to Clear Offloaded Record in Immigration in Pakistan

If you’ve been offloaded in the past, the good news is: it can be cleared. But the process requires patience and proof.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step method to resolve your offloading status:

Step 1: Visit the Nearest FIA Immigration Office

Locate your nearest branch using the official directory:
https://www.fia.gov.pk/contact

Bring:

• CNIC

• Passport

• Offloading slip (if given)

• Your visa and ticket details

Step 2: Request Details of Your Offloading Reason

Ask immigration authorities for:

• The exact reason for offloading

• Whether your name is on a list

• Whether more documentation is required to travel again

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents

Provide strong proof that you are a legitimate traveller:

• Employer letter

• Job contract

• Bank statements

• Business proof

• Travel history

• Invitation letter

Step 4: Request Clearance from Anti-Human Trafficking Cell

If the offloading was linked to suspected smuggling routes, apply for clearance at the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle.

Step 5: Keep a Copy of Your Clearance

When travelling again, keep:

• Clearance letter

• Supporting documents

• Extra proof of your travel purpose

Step 6: Be Fully Prepared for Extra Questions at Immigration

Once you are offloaded once, your profile becomes “special attention” for at least a few months.

Carry every possible supporting document. Even over-prepare.

How Pakistani Travellers Can Avoid Being Offloaded (Practical Tips)

Here are simple but effective steps every traveller should follow:

✔ Bring ALL supporting documents

Even if not required, carry:

• Hotel booking

• Invitation letter

• Return ticket

• Company profile

• Salary slips

• Business registration documents

✔ Dress appropriately

First impressions matter. Immigration officers do assess appearance and confidence.

✔ Answer confidently and honestly

Avoid memorized or confusing answers.

✔ Do NOT use “agents” for travel

Most offloading cases involve travel arranged by illegal agents pretending to help migrants.

✔ Know your purpose of travel well

You should comfortably answer:

• Where you’re going

• Why you’re going

• Where you’ll stay

• Who is your employer or sponsor

A Real Story to Learn From

Zeeshan, a 28-year-old from Gujrat, saved for months to travel to Dubai for job hunting. He had a valid UAE visit visa, hotel booking, and return ticket. Yet he was offloaded in Lahore because his hotel reservation lacked a payment confirmation.

The next week, he went again — this time with a paid reservation, printed email confirmation, and a letter from his local employer. He was cleared without any difficulty.

Lesson: Small details matter. A single missing proof can cause trouble.

Why This Matters for Pakistan’s International Reputation

Authorities say human smuggling has damaged Pakistan’s global image, lowered passport strength, and caused stricter visa requirements from many countries.

Therefore, the FIA claims their strictness is “to protect citizens and prevent exploitation” — not to harass genuine travellers.

Final Thoughts

Travelling abroad should be exciting, not stressful. Yet many Pakistanis face unexpected obstacles due to rising smuggling networks and increased immigration checks.

Understanding the real reasons behind offloading, preparing fully, and being aware of what immigration officers evaluate can help you travel smoothly.

Exploreroamer.com believe if you are a legitimate traveller with valid documents, clear intentions, and proper preparation, you can significantly reduce the risk of being stopped — even in today’s strict environment.