New FIA Desks to Support Passengers Before Departure
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced the launch of Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to help passengers travelling abroad. The initiative is aimed at giving international travellers clear guidance on immigration procedures and document requirements before they reach the boarding gate.
According to the minister, the new desks are meant to ensure a smoother and more hassle-free travel experience. They will help passengers understand what documents are needed, what checks will be carried out and how to avoid last-minute problems at immigration counters. Details about the service are being shared at airports, border points and on the FIA’s official website.
Why the Government Launched Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks
The decision to set up facilitation desks comes against the backdrop of rising complaints and rumours on social media about passengers being offloaded from flights. In recent months, many travellers have claimed that they were stopped or removed from foreign-bound flights without clear reasons, creating fear and confusion.
The FIA has already clarified that passengers with legal and complete documents are not being offloaded. Officials say that only those trying to leave the country through illegal means, or with doubtful paperwork, are stopped after proper profiling. Even so, the government recognised the need for a more visible support system at airports so that genuine passengers feel informed and protected before departure.
How the Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks Will Work
The new facilitation desks are designed to be easily accessible and user-friendly. They will operate at key airports and border points where international traffic is highest, with trained staff available to answer questions from passengers.
According to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the desks will be available both in person and through remote channels.
- In person at dedicated Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks at airports and border points
- Through FIA helplines for guidance over the phone
- Via email for written queries and document-related questions
In addition, contact details for these desks, including helpline numbers and email addresses, are being displayed at airports and on the FIA website so that passengers can reach out even before they arrive at the terminal.
Balancing Crackdown on Human Smuggling with Passenger Rights
The launch of the desks also ties in with the federal government’s wider campaign against human smuggling and illegal travel. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly directed authorities to act firmly against individuals travelling abroad on fake or dubious documents, and against agents involved in illegal migration.
At the same time, the prime minister has stressed that passengers with valid passports, visas and tickets must not be harassed or inconvenienced. He has ordered relevant departments, including the Protectorate of Emigrants and the FIA, to improve coordination so that genuine workers and travellers are facilitated rather than discouraged.
The Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks are meant to support this balance by giving honest passengers a clear point of contact, while still allowing law enforcers to identify and stop illegal travel attempts.
What International Travellers Should Do Before Flying
For Pakistani travellers planning to go abroad, the new FIA desks offer an opportunity to resolve confusion before reaching the departure gate. Passengers are advised to double-check that their passports, visas, tickets and supporting documents meet the latest requirements for their destination country.
Those who are unsure about a specific requirement—such as work permits, invitation letters or transit rules—can contact the facilitation desks via helpline or email in advance. This can help reduce the risk of last-minute surprises and offloading at the airport.
Officials say that by using the facilitation service, travellers can travel with more confidence, while the state can continue to crack down on human smuggling networks and protect Pakistan’s international reputation.
