New govt policy places deported Pakistanis on Passport Control List with five-year ban

The federal government has introduced a new policy to prevent citizens deported from foreign countries from traveling abroad for five years.

Citizens deported from foreign countries over criminal or other “undesirable” activities would be put on the list of deported Pakistanis for five years, a media report said, citing Ministry of Interior sources.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a written response submitted to the Senate mentioned the new Passport Control List (PCL) policy.

Under the policy, the names of such individuals will be placed on the Passport Control List (PCL), preventing them from obtaining new passports or leaving the country during that period.

Also Read: Pakistan to block passports of deported citizens

The restrictions apply specifically to those deported on grounds of illegal actions, criminal charges or other “undesirable” activities, the written response said.

The ban could be extended beyond five years if a relevant government department submits a detailed request justifying the move.

The policy, approved by the federal cabinet, is part of tighter passport regulations aimed at monitoring citizens deported for misconduct abroad, the report said, adding that the step reflected a tougher stance on individuals whose actions overseas have brought them into conflict with foreign laws.