23 passengers offloaded from Bahrain-bound flight

Authorities have offloaded 23 passengers attempting to travel to Bahrain on work visas after discrepancies were found in their travel documents and statements, according to officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

An FIA spokesperson said the passengers were scheduled to depart on the same flight, raising initial suspicion among immigration officials. During preliminary questioning, the individuals claimed they had secured employment in Bahrain through relatives. However, further investigation revealed that their statements were inconsistent and misleading.

Upon detailed scrutiny, the passengers admitted that they had arranged employment through agents rather than family connections. Officials noted that the group booking of all 23 passengers on a single flight appeared unusual and warranted closer examination.

The spokesperson further stated that none of the passengers could clearly explain the nature of their jobs or provide relevant employment details. More importantly, none of them possessed a valid foreign service agreement, a mandatory requirement for overseas employment under Pakistani regulations.

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Based on these irregularities, immigration authorities decided to offload all 23 individuals to prevent potential cases of human trafficking or illegal employment abroad. The passengers were subsequently referred for further inquiry.

The FIA has reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal migration and protecting citizens from exploitation by fraudulent agents. Officials emphasised that individuals seeking overseas employment must ensure all legal requirements are fulfilled before departure.

The spokesperson also advised prospective travellers to obtain proper documentation, including verified job contracts and clearance from relevant authorities, before proceeding to the immigration desk.

Authorities continue to warn that strict action will be taken against agents involved in illegal recruitment practices, while urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to deceptive schemes promising overseas jobs.