FIA rolls out pre-departure facilitation service for international travellers

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks across all zonal offices to assist international travellers with immigration procedures and clearances, Federal Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday in a post on X. Naqvi said the desks were operational with immediate effect and would be accessible in person, through helplines and by email, with details available at airports, border points and on the FIA website. He said the initiative was intended to streamline facilitation for departing passengers. Pleased to share that the Federal Investigation Agency has launched Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks across all zonal offices, with immediate effect. These desks will provide guidance & assistance to international travelers on immigration procedures/clearances, ensuring a… — Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) January 4, 2026 The minister also visited the FIA Karachi office on Sunday, where he reviewed the agency’s performance and announced enforcement measures in priority areas. During the visit, Naqvi reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on hawala and hundi operations, informal money transfer channels used to move funds outside official systems. “The entire money trail of elements involved in money laundering should be exposed,” he said. Read: FIA busts visa fraud racket, arrests agent over UK job scam The interior minister also directed intensified action against human-smuggling networks. “Elements who deceive people with false promises of jobs and send them abroad deserve not even the slightest concession,” Naqvi said, instructing officials to pursue such cases without outside influence. FIA officials informed the minister that, over the past four months, 20 agents allegedly involved in human-smuggling activities had been arrested, and non-customs goods and narcotics valued at Rs140 million had been seized. Acknowledging resource constraints, Naqvi said staffing shortages in the FIA Karachi Zone would be addressed on a priority basis and that necessary resources would be provided to officers. He added that improved performance would be expected in return. Read More: 66,154 air travellers offloaded this year, FIA tells NA body Officials said the directives follow an increase in the number of passengers offloaded at major airports, as well as disciplinary action against FIA personnel found involved in irregular facilitation. In December, the FIA informed a parliamentary panel that 66,154 passengers had been offloaded during the year as part of efforts to curb organised beggar groups and illegal outbound travel. In the same month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar Raja ordered departmental action against 10 officials over corruption, indiscipline and misuse of authority.

from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/zMN79gS