FIA offloading rules: no passenger can be offloaded on a verbal order under new Standing Order 07/2026

FIA immigration officers can no longer offload a passenger on a verbal instruction alone. The Federal Investigation Agency has issued Standing Order No. 07/2026, a 12-page order that replaces the one in force since 2005, ProPakistani reported on Monday 12 October 2026. It took effect immediately.

Offloading, when a passenger with a valid ticket, visa and boarding pass is stopped at immigration and sent home, has been one of the most common complaints from workers bound for the Gulf, students and visitors. The new order changes how those decisions are made and recorded.

What the new FIA offloading order says

According to ProPakistani's account of the order:

1. No verbal orders. An immigration officer cannot offload anyone based only on a spoken instruction.
2. Written decisions. Clearance or refusal rests on digital records, written decisions and risk-based screening.
3. Everything goes into IBMS. Every immigration decision must be recorded in full in the Integrated Border Management System.
4. Officers answer for their decisions. The order holds individual officers accountable.
5. It overrides older instructions. Where earlier instructions on immigration officers' duties conflict with it, the new order prevails.
6. It covers every exit point: airports, seaports and dry ports across Pakistan. It will be reviewed from time to time.

What it means if you are flying out

The order does not remove the FIA's power to stop a passenger, but it means a refusal should now leave a written record in the system. If you are flying abroad, especially on a visit or work visa to Saudi Arabia, the UAE or another Gulf country:

• Carry printed copies of your visa, return ticket, hotel booking or employer's letter, and your Protector of Emigrants stamp if you are going for work.
• For a work visa, make sure your registration with the Bureau of Emigration is complete before you reach the airport.
• If you are stopped, ask the officer for the reason in writing. Under the new order a decision must be recorded, so note the officer's name, the time and your flight.

The report does not mention a new complaint line. The FIA has not yet published the order's text on its website; we will add the link and any complaint procedure when it does.

Before you fly

If you are sending money home after starting work abroad, check the rupee value with our USD to PKR converter, which also covers the riyal and dirham. For your passport costs, see the passport fee calculator.