The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an investigation into alleged bribery and illegal payments in the visa protector clearance process at the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment in Karachi. The inquiry follows complaints from four citizens who claimed they were charged a total of Rs76,400 for protector-related services.
Four Citizens Report Alleged Illegal Payments
According to the complaints, an agent allegedly collected Rs76,400 from four individuals seeking protector clearance for overseas employment. The complainants were identified as Ahmed Mukhtar, Muhammad Naveed, Asad Sabir and Ahad Hussain.
After an initial review by the FIA Immigration Task Team, the case was referred to the agency’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Karachi for further investigation.
An FIA team subsequently visited the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment office in PECHS Block 6, Karachi, accompanied by the complainants. During the visit, investigators questioned a former bureau employee identified in the report as Nadeem Ahmed.
Additional Charges Allegedly Collected From Applicants
During preliminary questioning, the former employee allegedly provided information about a system in which applicants were charged additional amounts for protector clearance, even when their documents were complete.
According to the allegations reported by Pakistan Observer, the extra charges varied depending on the destination country:
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African countries: Rs20,000
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Canada and Europe: Rs10,000
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Gulf countries: Rs4,000
The investigation is examining allegations that these payments were collected beyond the officially prescribed fees.
Government Employees and Private Individuals May Be Involved
The allegations also point to the possible involvement of private individuals and government employees in the reported arrangement. Claims were made that portions of the collected money were allegedly distributed among senior officials on a weekly basis, with some payments reportedly made in US dollars.
These claims have yet to be established through the investigation. The FIA’s inquiry is expected to examine the allegations and determine whether any individuals were involved in illegal financial activities.
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What Is a Visa Protector Stamp?
A protector stamp is a mandatory legal clearance for Pakistani citizens travelling abroad on work visas. It is issued through the relevant government department responsible for emigration and overseas employment.
The clearance process is intended to support the legal documentation and protection of Pakistani workers seeking employment abroad. Alleged irregularities in this process can raise concerns for people preparing to work overseas.
The FIA’s investigation in Karachi aims to examine the reported complaints and allegations of additional payments. Further findings will depend on the outcome of the inquiry.
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