The government has decided to launch an AI-based application as a pilot project in Islamabad starting in January to curb illegal immigration. This decision was taken during a meeting held in Islamabad on Friday and chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain. The interior minister said that through the AI app authorities will be able to determine in advance which passengers are eligible to travel and which are not.

Once the passports of the deported individuals are cancelled, the system will ensure that such individuals are not reissued visas, he said. The participants of the meeting agreed to adopt effective measures against persons travelling abroad using fake documents. It was also decided to introduce reforms in the immigration system to facilitate the passengers. Both the ministers sought recommendations in this regard within seven days.

The meeting also decided to launch a crackdown against travel agents involved in issuing fake visas. The government will ensure not to issue visas to those persons who are deported from abroad, it was told. The National Police Bureau will issue an international driving licence. Mohsin Naqvi said that a zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against fake travel agents.

He said “We are in contact with eight other countries for the ranking of green passports.” He said that the people who travelled abroad on fake documents brought a bad name to the country.Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that all relevant documents must be completed for obtaining a labour visa. He said that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis will extend full cooperation to make the protector and immigration system seamless.

He said that the government is considering taking strict action against people who are residing abroad on fake documents.Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Secretary Interior, the Special Secretary Interior, the Secretary of Overseas Pakistan, the Chairman of NADRA, the DG FIA, the DG Passport and Immigration, and other officials from relevant departments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)