Pakistan to Cancel Passports of Deportees in Crackdown on Illegal Migration

ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to tackle illegal migration and restore its global reputation, Pakistan has decided to cancel the passports of individuals deported from other countries. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad.

The meeting addressed growing concerns over the international embarrassment caused by rising deportation cases, which Naqvi termed a “stain on Pakistan’s global image”. To prevent repeat offences, the government has also decided to place deportees on the Passport Control List for a period of five years, effectively barring them from acquiring new travel documents during that time.

To ensure strict implementation of the new policies, a committee led by the Interior Secretary has been formed. The committee’s mandate is to review, reform, and enforce tighter passport issuance procedures.

Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasised a zero-tolerance approach, stating that no leniency would be extended to those found guilty of violating immigration laws. “There will be no concessions for deportees,” he asserted.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Director General of Passports.