In a major move aimed at curbing illegal immigration and restoring international confidence, the Government of Pakistan has blocked the passports of over 53,000 deported individuals. This decision was confirmed during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Directorate of Immigration and Passports.
The meeting, attended by key officials including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha, DG FIA Rifat Mukhtar Raja, and DG Passport Mustafa Jamal Qazi, outlined the government’s strategy to prevent misuse of the passport system and strengthen immigration protocols.
Major Crackdown on Deportees
During the session, it was revealed that passports of 53,000 Pakistani nationals who were deported from various countries have been officially blocked. This unprecedented move is part of a broader initiative to combat illegal immigration, discourage human trafficking, and prevent the misuse of Pakistani identification documents abroad.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to ensure 100% implementation of this directive, emphasizing the importance of acting swiftly and within the legal framework. He stressed that any delays or negligence would not be tolerated.
Deportation Surge from Multiple Countries
This crackdown comes in the wake of several waves of deportations involving Pakistani nationals. Recently, 173 Pakistanis were deported from 11 different countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In another incident, 48 more individuals were deported from six countries, and 38 passengers were offloaded at Karachi airport before they could leave the country. 24 of these individuals were arrested for attempting to travel illegally.
These growing numbers indicate a surge in deportations due to illegal entry, overstaying, or violating immigration laws abroad. The government has taken these trends seriously and is now working to address the root causes of such violations.
New Passport Conditions Underway
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also directed the concerned departments to finalize the new passport issuance conditions at the earliest. The updated criteria will introduce stricter background checks to prevent known offenders, beggars, and those involved in human smuggling or illegal immigration from obtaining new travel documents.
These new conditions will help curb international embarrassment, reduce illegal activity, and send a positive signal to the global community, said Naqvi. He also highlighted the importance of cross-departmental coordination to enforce these new measures efficiently.
Strengthening National Security and Global Reputation
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry echoed similar sentiments, stating that this decision will not only enhance national security but also restore trust with international partners who have raised concerns about undocumented migrants and the rising number of illegal Pakistani immigrants.
By taking action against those who violate immigration laws, we are showing the world that Pakistan is serious about accountability and ensuring only lawful travel,The said.
The move is seen as a step towards reforming the immigration system, preventing repeat offenses, and deterring individuals from engaging in illegal or undocumented migration practices.
Modernizing Passport and Immigration Systems
The Directorate of Immigration and Passports is now under instructions to modernize their systems and introduce new digital protocols for passport verification and tracking. The goal is to build a transparent, secure, and internationally compliant passport system that cannot be easily misused or forged.
According to officials, these reforms will also make it easier for authorities to track repeat offenders, identify fake travel histories, and suspend or blacklist individuals involved in human trafficking or fake documentation.
The Pakistani government is also considering the integration of biometric verification, artificial intelligence, and data-sharing systems with global immigration agencies to monitor the movement of individuals more effectively.
Public Awareness and Policy Support
To further support this initiative, the Ministry of Interior plans to launch an awareness campaign about the consequences of illegal immigration and the importance of adhering to international visa rules. Community leaders, travel agents, and overseas Pakistanis will be encouraged to spread the message and report suspicious activities.
The government is also reviewing policy recommendations to work with countries that have deported large numbers of Pakistanis. These diplomatic efforts aim to improve the screening process, identify legitimate travelers, and prevent mass deportations in the future.
The blocking of 53,000 passports of deported Pakistanis marks a firm step towards national accountability and a significant upgrade in Pakistan’s immigration system. As the government continues to implement new passport regulations and tighten control on illegal migration, these efforts are expected to restore Pakistan’s global reputation, promote safe migration, and ensure that international travel by Pakistani citizens remains lawful and respected.
