Pakistan is set to introduce an artificial intelligence-based immigration system in January, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday. The pilot project aims to curb illegal migration, prevent the use of forged travel documents, and dismantle networks of unscrupulous agents.
Speaking at a meeting co-chaired with Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Naqvi said the AI-powered application would help authorities determine “who is fit to travel and who is not,” ensuring that only eligible citizens are granted permission to leave the country.
Crackdown on Fake Visas and Agent Networks
The federal ministers approved a series of measures to strengthen checks on forged documents and combat the operations of agent mafias. Decisions included stricter scrutiny for travellers abroad, improved procedures for issuing Protectors (emigration clearances for work visas), and the cancellation of passports for individuals deported due to illegal travel, preventing them from obtaining visas in the future.
Naqvi also announced the introduction of a uniform international driving licence through the National Police Bureau and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the global ranking of Pakistan’s green passport. “Those travelling abroad through improper means are damaging the country’s reputation,” he said, emphasizing that the reforms aim to facilitate legitimate travellers while safeguarding Pakistan’s international image.
Focus on Labour Visas and Documentation
Federal Minister Salik Hussain stressed the importance of authentic documentation, particularly for labour visas, and pledged that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis would fully support improvements to the Protector system and wider immigration processes. The ministers directed that final recommendations for the reform package be submitted within seven days.
The AI-based immigration system marks a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s travel oversight, combining technology with stricter regulatory measures to promote efficiency, security, and international credibility.
