An FIA Immigration operation in Karachi has uncovered an alleged new irregular migration route to Australia through Bahrain and the Republic of Palau under the guise of Umrah travel.
The Federal Investigation Agency’s immigration team intercepted the alleged attempt at Jinnah International Airport.
During immigration clearance, three Pakistani passengers travelling on Saudi Umrah visas were stopped for further scrutiny after their behaviour raised suspicion.
The passengers were identified as Nadeem Iqbal, Shehzad Ali and Samar Shehzad, residents of Hafizabad and Sargodha.
According to officials, a detailed examination of their travel documents and mobile phones revealed visit visas for Bahrain and visas for the Republic of Palau.
The passengers said their plan was to stay in Saudi Arabia for approximately three days before travelling to Bahrain and then to Palau.
According to the passengers, an agent identified as Naeem Murshid, a resident of Multan, allegedly arranged the visas and travel for Rs2.5 million per person.
