FIA Bars Offloading Passengers on Verbal Orders Alone

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has introduced a new 12-page standing order that mandates changes to immigration procedures at airports, seaports, and dry ports across the country. This order supersedes the previous guidelines issued in 2005 and will be periodically reviewed.

A key provision of the new standing order is that immigration officers are no longer allowed to offload passengers solely on the basis of verbal instructions. This represents a significant shift from previous practices. The order also supersedes existing instructions regarding general duties of immigration officers, particularly where those duties conflict with the provisions of the new standing order.

Under the revised procedures, immigration decisions will now be based on digital records, written decisions, risk-based screening, and accountability mechanisms for the officers involved. These measures are intended to enhance the accuracy, transparency, and responsibility of immigration processing.

Another critical aspect of the new standing order is the requirement for the complete recording of all immigration decisions within the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS). This digital documentation system will provide a comprehensive audit trail of all decisions made by immigration officers.

The new standing order applies to all immigration operations conducted at airports, seaports, and dry ports throughout Pakistan. The FIA asserts that these measures are designed to strengthen border security, improve the efficiency of immigration processing, and ensure greater accountability among immigration officers.