Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reported large-scale misuse of student visas by Pakistani nationals abroad. The development raises concerns over immigration abuse and its impact on Pakistan’s international reputation. It matters for visa policies and future travel restrictions.
Director General FIA Muhammad Usman Anwar told a National Assembly committee that around 10,000 Pakistanis who went to the United Kingdom on student visas later sought asylum. He said the misuse of study visas has become a serious concern for foreign governments.
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Meanwhile, the FIA official said several other countries have also raised concerns over illegal migration. He noted that Pakistani nationals traveling on visit visas to countries such as Azerbaijan and Belarus often failed to return. He added that similar patterns are being observed in other regions.
In addition, the DG FIA highlighted emerging human trafficking routes through countries like Malaysia and Uzbekistan. He said authorities have intensified monitoring to curb illegal migration networks. He also stated that thousands of undocumented travelers were stopped at airports this year.
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Furthermore, the FIA reported improvements in enforcement against illegal practices. Officials said there has been a reduction in organized begging networks and fake documentation cases. However, the agency stressed that continued vigilance is required to address evolving migration challenges.