Human Smuggling
ISLAMABAD: In a significant step to curb human smuggling and illegal migration, the government has imposed travel restrictions on more than 52,000 individuals, on Monday. This move is aimed at addressing growing international concerns over human trafficking and the illegal movement of individuals across borders.
According to sources familiar with the development, a total of 52,520 Pakistani nationals have been banned from traveling abroad.
These individuals primarily include those who were deported from various countries, including the United States, European nations, and key Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.
To implement these restrictions effectively, the Directorate of Passport and Immigration has added the passports of these individuals to the Passport Control List (PCL). This ensures that they are flagged in the system and prevented from leaving the country.
The updated list of restricted individuals has also been shared with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which is responsible for monitoring and enforcing travel regulations.
Among those affected by the ban, a significant number were deported from the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to criminal activities.
These individuals include those involved in fraudulent activities, human trafficking networks, and other offenses that led to their deportation. Authorities have been tightening regulations to prevent such individuals from engaging in further illegal migration attempts.
Additionally, sources revealed that a total of 4,210 Pakistani beggars were deported from Saudi Arabia alone. The FIA has responded by imposing travel bans on 1,546 deportees across various zones to prevent them from attempting to re-enter these countries under false pretenses. Furthermore, restrictions have been placed on 331 beggars who were deported from other nations.
Another major category of individuals facing travel bans includes those who were imprisoned in the UAE and later repatriated to Pakistan. As per the latest figures, 46,433 individuals who served sentences in UAE prisons have now been barred from traveling abroad.
This latest move is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to strengthen border controls, regulate migration, and uphold international obligations in the fight against human smuggling and illegal migration.
Authorities remain committed to preventing the misuse of travel documents and ensuring that individuals involved in unlawful activities do not exploit the country’s passport system.
